Robert Cowan Dayton

ROBERT COWAN DAYTON left this life and went to be with his Lord on Thursday, March 10, 2011 after a short illness. Bob was born to Donald C. Dayton and Ruth Hellickson Dayton on August 8, 1921 in Houston.

Bob's civil engineering education at Rice was interrupted by a three and a half year enlistment in the United States Marine Corps. Bob was a navigator/bombardier in a B-25 with fifty-six combat missions in the Pacific Theatre for which he was awarded dual distinguished flying crosses and nine air medals in 2008; more than sixty years after his service. He worked for Shell Oil Company starting in summers before his enlistment until 1968. On his retirement from John Chance and Associates in 1983, he and Doris relocated to Walden on Lake Conroe where they joined St. James Episcopal Church, and he remained active until his death. Bob became a firefighter with the Walden Volunteer Fire Department, and worked his way to department chief. He then assisted in the merging of the Walden department into the Montgomery Fire Department. Bob was an avid supporter of the fire service, so much so that a new engine was dedicated in his honor this past fall.

He is survived by his children Marsha Thomas and husband Bud, Donna Oppermann and husband Skip; sister-in-law, Janice Bright; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and beloved companion Joan Kuhasz. He is preceded in death by his wife of sixty years, Doris, sister Dorothy Dayton Sellingsloh and parents Donald and Ruth Dayton.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 3:00 P.M. in the Chapel at Memorial Oaks Cemetery with a visitation prior to the Service at 2:00 P.M. Donations can be made to the charity of your choice.