Joey Dalton

November 09, 1960 - October 03, 2017

JOHN JOSEPH “JOEY” DALTON

Joey Dalton, age 56, of Aztec, New Mexico, passed away at his home on October 3, 2017. A Celebration of Life visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at Cullen Funeral Home.

Joey was born November 9, 1960 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the son of Jackie Joe Dalton and Nora Dalton.

Writer, Artist, Philosopher, Psychologist is how he described himself. Whatever he was, he was a force of Nature. Like a rainstorm, refreshing, and nourishing growth, or sometimes tempestuous and thunderous. Either way you got wet. His impact on people's lives was unmistakable. And his zest for life touched countless people.

Joey could make any gathering better. Quick to lead the fun or using his sharp wit to make a bad situation better. Devastatingly funny, he was a Smart Ass of the Highest Order. He could cut through bullshit with the simplest, well-timed remark. Watching TV with him was a truly special experience. Always enhanced by his running commentary.

A talented artist; drawing, painting, graphic design and photography, he probably could have pursued any professionally. Instead he focused on his greatest passion, writing. He wrote countless poems, short stories, plays, and novels. Most unpublished. He was always perfecting them. 

He did continue to paint and draw, but reserved it for gifts for family and friends. Or to decorate the home he shared with his husband Brian Garretson. His other main creative outlet was rehabbing their house in Hyde Park.

He loved Kansas City. He loved the Royals and particularly the Chiefs. He often talked of moving away, but spent only 7 of his 56 years away from it (1 year in San Diego in his 20s, 2 years in Minneapolis and last 4 in Aztec).

He was a fixture around the family poker table. Ever creative he even introduced new games like Full Count (w/ a Wild Pitch) and Ryan's Hope.

He loved his family and friends and was always looking to have an influence on them. He introduced oldest sister Jane to her husband Donnie.

He loved to party or just hang out. He smoked Marijuana. Gin & Tonic was his drink of choice. He gave gatherings life, being silly, goosing conversations, loving up on anyone and everyone. He always said the best part of a party was when it got down to just the core of people who really knew each other. Things got quieter and you could really talk. Have we mentioned Joey liked to talk, and talk some more…And maybe then a little more. Well he did. And a lot the time he knew what he was talking about.

The first son, and third child of Joe and Nora's six children. It was a role he relished, both as protector and tormentor. A certain terror campaign involving a rubber GI Joe ape and a youngest brother comes to mind. But he was also quick to the defense of anyone in the Five Families (Dalton, Henry, Clary, Summerskill, Linville) that were at the core of the South Kansas City suburb he grew up in. 

The neighborhood would foster friendships that would endure. Joey loved to spend time hiking and hanging out with friends in "The Woods"that bounded the subdivision; Going so far as to build a makeshift log cabin hangout. 

His love of the outdoors continued throughout his life, often spending time camping and canoeing "Down Home" in the Ozarks of Southwestern Missouri, usually with brother Jimmy and cousin Steven Brocato. He helped out on his cousins Teresa and Dennis Patterson's land in Northern Missouri. He helped design their annual Haunted Farm and Fall Hayrides. He loved to explore the area around Sedona AZ with them.

He was an Atheist. Not born out of hatred or ignorance of religion, though he could be critical of The Church and it's abuses, but more from a logical and historical understanding of religion. His spirituality was a belief in humanity. Our ability to grow, to learn and to love.

A lifelong learner, Joey’s church was that of knowledge. He was involved with the Honors Program at Penn Valley Community College where he met Brian in 1990. He was a voracious reader and consumer of information. He was well versed in Sports, History, Literature, Movies, Psychology, Music, Politics and seemingly endless other subjects. He was never shy to evangelize, "You've got to hear this song" was a common refrain. He didn't understand the phrase Spoiler Alert. He was always too excited to share his thoughts about the latest movie for that to register. 

He loved music. He always sang along with the radio. His voice wasn't bad, he would say it was, but he certainly sang with passion whatever the case. A eclectic taste, he gravitated mostly to Blue-Eyed Soul and R&B and great singer songwriters. In his dreams it was probably just him at a piano banging out songs like his early idol Elton John.

Husband Brian provided the foundation that made it all possible. Together for 27 years, married for the last 4, he provided the stability and support for Joey to pursue his many interests. He enjoyed the good times with an infectious giggle. And with the occasional exasperated sigh Brian shouldered the rough times of illness and personal or professional setbacks. He showed a patience and caring that can only be described as True Love.

We were richer for his presence in our lives. And now we are poorer with his absence. But Joey's legacy of love and curiosity will live on in those whose lives he did touch. He will be sorely missed.

Joey was preceded in death by his parents, Jackie Joe and Nora Dalton; and one nephew, James “Little Jimmy” Dalton.

He is survived by his husband, Brian Garretson, of the home; his siblings, Jane Hamerle (Donnie), Kate Cox (Doug), Jimmy Dalton, Tom Dalton (Shirley), and Christopher Dalton; nephews, Kenny Cox and Jordan Dalton; niece, Sarah Jane Schneider; adopted family, Mary Jane, Chucky, Rose, and the Henry family; and Joey’s beloved furry companions, Lui, Lexi “Boo Boo" and Bob.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278