Wesley "Wes" Dalton '85 February 7, 2024 3:38 PM updated: February 7, 2024 3:58 PM
Wesley Brandon Dalton
November 15, 1962 - January 14, 2024
Wesley Brandon Dalton, also known as “Wes” to many people that he grew up with, passed away at the age of 61 on Sunday, January 14, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on November 15, 1962, in San Antonio to Juanita Ann Dalton and William Wesley Dalton. He is survived by his wife, Lesha; his stepson, Chandler Squires; his daughters, Kayci (Patrick) Sanchez and Delaney Dalton (their mother, Dana Keith); his grandson, Anthony “Tony” Sanchez, along with his mother, Ann (Walt) Dalton; his brother, Brad (Carol) Dalton; his stepmom, Kate Dalton; his stepsister, Gail (Guy) Condra; his goddaughter, Isabella Squires; and his pets, Barley and Moxie. Wesley is preceded in death by his father, William “Bill” Wesley Dalton.
Wesley was proud to have started his life on the southside of San Antonio, where he lived with his family until they moved to the northeast side of town when he was in middle school. His mother, Ann Dalton remembers him always tinkering and fixing things, taking things apart and putting them back together. Wesley, always the handyman, even at a young age, built a treehouse with his brother, Brad. As brothers, Brad and Wesley enjoyed fishing and hunting. Among some of his mother’s fondest memories of him include his natural talent for water skiing, which he first picked up at the age of 2, his helpfulness in the kitchen and in the yard, and his ability to make friends.
As a teenager, Wesley attended Winston Churchill High School, where he played trombone in the marching band for four years and served as a photographer for the school newspaper. During his high school years, Wesley built strong friendships with the other lifeguards he worked with at the Alamo Heights Pool. Upon his graduation in 1981, Wesley was honored in the local newspaper as a top student graduate.
Wesley went on to become an Aggie when he attended Texas A&M University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Engineering Geology. This was a big source of pride for Wesley as you could often see him wearing his Aggie ring and donning maroon and white clothing. Some of Wesley’s favorite college memories were made at the Dixie Chicken. Not one to rest on his laurels, Wesley later went on to earn his master’s degree at UTSA in Environmental Science.
In his professional life, Wesley served as an Environmental Geologist for companies like NCNB Texas, JM Waller, KEI Consultants, Chapman Engineering, AGEISS Environmental, and Booz Allen Hamilton. No matter where Wesley worked, his coworkers always referred to him as friendly, hardworking, caring, smart, and easy to get along with. Wesley often shared with his wife the importance of the work he was called to do. He felt blessed to be doing work that helped to make a difference for the environment.
Most recently, Wesley worked for the U.S. Air Force as a program manager and temporary branch chief. While Wesley did not have a long career with the Air Force, he was proud to be serving this branch of the military as a civilian. That pride shined through as he earned awards throughout his career. These awards always brought him a great sense of satisfaction that others had recognized his efforts.
Above all, Wesley was a family man at heart. Wesley loved to cook for family and his most requested dish was his brisket and beans. His mother, Ann Dalton shared that she knew that Wesley was always just a phone call away. As a son-in-law, Wesley was known to help his in-laws, Kasha and Richard Squires, with their technology and small projects around their house. Wesley and his brother enjoyed taking fishing trips with their father, Bill Dalton, to the coast or to God’s Lake in Canada. His daughters, Delaney, who he referred to as “Nay Nay” and Kayci, who he loved to call “Widget”, remember him as caring, always making the most of the time they had together, and telling them he loved them every chance he got. His stepson, Chandler, will miss his unwavering support, his gratitude for even the smallest acts of kindness, and his unmatched ability to bring out the best in all things. No matter what Wesley’s children dedicated themselves to (Chandler’s education at MIT, Delaney’s work at Toyota and role as an aunt, or Kayci’s service in the Navy and then as a stay-at-home mom), Wesley was cheering them on every step of the way. Even Wesley’s friends often referred to him as a brother because of his genuine warmth and concern for them.
At the cornerstone of Wesley’s family life was his devotion to his wife, Lesha, over 15 years of marriage. Wesley and Lesha’s love story started 18 years ago through a dating app. To listen to them tell the story of their first date, one had to believe that these two were meant to be together no matter what. Lesha shared that what made Wesley a great husband was his belief that love never fails, his generous acts of service, the way he infused goofiness into the mundane, and the support that he always showed Lesha. He had a gift for sharing words of affirmation, always letting Lesha know that she was the “total package” and “the yin to his yang.” Lesha will remember Wesley as smart, handsome, loving, adventurous, and always protective of her soul. Anyone who knew Lesha and Wesley knew the fun that they had together and how many happy memories he is leaving her with.
A major part of Wesley’s life was his involvement with his Catholic faith. He was an active Core team member of the Christ-Centered Marriage Ministry at Holy Trinity, a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, a Eucharistic minister, and a recurring participant in ACTS retreats. Wesley and Lesha loved the Sacrament of Marriage and the opportunities it provided for them to make some of the best friends of their lives.
Wesley’s family hopes that people will remember the wonderful, multidimensional man that Wesley was. Wesley’s passion for tinkering with things showed up in his love of restoring John Deer tractors. His sense of humor could bring a smile to anyone’s face, converting many to love silly movies just as much as he did. He had a passion for music, embodied by his love for the Beatles, live music, and playing the guitar. He was an avid boater and loved to be out on the water at Lake McQueeney and Canyon Lake. Wesley’s love of nature was also evident in the time he spent out on his deer lease, the joy he found in snorkeling, the many bike rides he shared with his wife, and his still childlike awe over natural rock formations. Wesley often attempted to capture the beauty of people and nature through his photography.
While Wesley is taking his sense of humor with him to heaven, we must find ways to hold onto the happy memories he gave us, whether it be the next time we enjoy a good craft beer, hear a Beatles song, watch Napoleon Dynamite or Nacho Libre, or simply stand in awe of nature’s beauty. Wesley’s smile, his hugs, and his quick wit will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. May he Rest in Peace.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Porter Loring Mortuary North. ROSARY WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2024 7:00 PM PORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH 2102 NORTH LOOP 1604 EAST. MASS THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024 10:00 AM HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH 20523 HUEBNER RD. Father Ramesh Lodi will officiate. Interment will follow in procession to Cordi Marian Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Knights of Columbus at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.