Dalton Eash

Dalton Eash, beloved husband, father, engineer and conservationist, died peacefully at the age of 91 on February 16, 2014. He will be remembered for his masterful storytelling, dry wit and humorous perspective. Dalton had an endless curiosity about life, science, maps and the written word. He collected books on his wide-ranging interests and instilled his love of reading and learning in his children by assuring that everyone had a library card by the time they could walk.

Dalton was born in Harper, Kansas, to Hazel Dalton and Jesse Eash, a pharmacist and drug store owner. From a young age he worked at the drug store soda fountain, starting as a curb-hop and eventually being promoted to soda jerk. At the University of Kansas, Dalton majored in chemical engineering until his studies were interrupted by World War II when he enlisted in the Naval Air Corps. Dalton became a pilot and flew amphibious aircraft in the South Pacific and China. When he returned to KU to complete his degree he met and soon married his true love, Mary Catherine Shatzell, with the wedding taking place in a record-breaking snowstorm on the Kansas plains. They were wonderful partners in life, the artist and the engineer, and they enjoyed 65 years together (including 46 years on Mercer Island) until her death last November. Both were active in the community and Dalton spent many years volunteering with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, leading hikes and sharing his love of the natural world.

Dalton’s career began with oil companies in Texas and Kansas but in 1956 he joined the Boeing Company where he worked for 37 years. Dalton was a life-long birder, fisherman and explorer of destinations near and far. He was also an accomplished woodworker and inventor of dozens of gadgets and patented products. Dalton was a living example of how to leave this place better than you found it. We will miss him, his stories, his strength and his humor. Dalton is survived by son Art (Karen), daughter Patti Sue, grandson Brian, sister-in-law Sue (Richard), numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Remembrances are suggested to the Friends of the Mercer Island Library.