Mike Dalton

Olan Michael “Mike” Dalton, 82, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026. He was born on January 16, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Celia and Michael P. Dalton. Mike was the youngest of four children. He was preceded in death by his siblings Shirley (Hiner) and Bob and is survived by his sister Nancy (Smith).

Mike grew up in New Castle, Indiana, and graduated from Chrysler High School. After high school, he moved to Fort Wayne to begin work at International Harvester, balancing various roles at the company while pursuing his education at Purdue University.

During the Vietnam era, Mike enlisted in the United States Air Force. His aptitude for languages led him to advanced training at Syracuse University, where he became a Russian linguist—and where he met the love of his life, Mary Lou. The two married in 1968.

Following his military service, Mike and Mary Lou returned to Fort Wayne, where he resumed work at International Harvester, including time on the Scout production line, all while continuing his studies. He graduated from Purdue with a degree in Industrial Management and a minor in Russian.

A lifelong passion for aviation shaped much of Mike’s personal and professional identity. An accomplished private pilot, he found joy, purpose, and a sense of freedom in the skies. He eventually merged this passion with his career, spending several years helping to grow and lead aviation charter companies, where his leadership, sales knowledge, and enthusiasm left a lasting impact.

Beyond his career, Mike valued above all the life he shared with Mary Lou. Together they embraced traveling by plane, train, and ship, creating memories rooted in curiosity, exploration, and a love for the journey.

Mike is lovingly remembered by his wife, Mary Lou Dalton; his sons, Jeff Dalton and Mark (Annie) Dalton; his cherished grandchildren, Greta, William, and George; and his sister, Nancy.

He will be remembered for his dedication to family, his service to his country, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his lifelong love of flight. His steady presence, sharp mind, and deep devotion to those he loved will be dearly missed.

A memorial gathering will be at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home - Maplewood Park, 4017 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46815, on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. A time of sharing will begin at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Saint Anne Communities, 1900 Randallia Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46805, or online at sacfw.org, in gratitude for the loving and compassionate care they provided to Mike in his last months.