Wendell P. Alton passed away on March 12, 2021. Wendell was born on Dec. 21, 1924, in Little Sioux to Walter and Leona Alton. He grew up and graduated high school 1942, then enlisted in the US Navy in 1943, serving during World War II until 1946. He married the love of his life Colleen Sue Gorham in 1945 and they made their home in Pisgah where they lived until 2005 when they moved to Washington State to be nearer their children. After working with his father-in-law for several years, Wendell started his own business when he bought a Northwest dragline in 1957. He owned and operated that business until retirement and was one of the best dragline operators you could find. Wendell was a member of the United Methodist Church in Pisgah, a 75 year member of the American Legion, and a lodge member and Tangier Shriner from 1954 until his death. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Frances Anson, Kathryn Harris, Charlene Ham, and brothers Don and Edward Alton, and grandson-in-law Eric Marsh.
He is survived by his wife of 75 years Colleen, sister Betty (Roger) Stokes, children Terry (Cathy), Brenda, and Kevin (Shawn) Alton, grandchildren Mike (Tami) Alton, Tecia Rose, Ryan (Chris) Stirtz, Austin (Ryan) Whitten, Taylor, Jordan and Spencer Alton, great-grandchildren Natalie, Cameron, Kailyn, Jade, Treston and Blake, sister-in-law Gaylene Alton, brother-in-law Calvin Harris, and many nieces and nephews. Wendell was a perfectionist and wouldn’t hesitate to point out little things he noticed that needed to be corrected, whether it be a small crack in someone’s ceiling or a road that needed straightened out. He was known by his family to always have a cup of coffee nearby and his dry sense of humor kept them entertained. He loved being outdoors, working on his dragline, mowing the lawn, and most of all he loved his family. He will be sorely missed by them and all who knew him.
