He was born to Ancel and Anna Silveira Alton and was raised in Riverbank. He graduated in 1958 from Oakdale High School, where he served as student body President, played basketball and was a member of the band.

Mr. Alton was a longtime member of the Boy Scouts, achieving the honor of Eagle Scout.

As a young man, he learned the meat cutting business from his father and continued in the profession until his retirement. In 1965, he married Joann Orlando, also of Riverbank. They resided in Oakdale where they raised two daughters. In 2008, he welcomed the birth of his first grandchild.

In the 1960s, he and his brother-in-law Phil Orlando and friend Carl Lemmons purchased the Oakdale Superette Market. After selling the market, he worked for H&O Market in Oakdale and later at New Deal Market in Oakdale.

He learned to play golf at Fort Ord when he was 19. He was a charter member and past President of the Oakdale Golf and Country Club where he regularly golfed. Retiring at age 51, he pursued his hobby of making and repairing golf clubs. When he wasn’t golfing or working on clubs, he enjoyed crafting pieces of beautiful furniture for his family and friends.

His family thanks the doctors who took care of him, especially Drs. Norman Chock of Oakdale, Richard Cercle and Mussa Banisadre, and Lit Fung, all of Modesto.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Joann Alton; daughters, Kimberly Alton and Lisa (Jeff) Ribeiro; granddaughter, Addison, all of Oakdale; brothers, Alvin (Barbara) Alton of Modesto, Adrian (Jeanette) Alton of Copperopolis; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at Oakdale Memorial Chapel. Services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17 at the chapel, burial will follow at Oakdale Citizen’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 1604 Ford Ave., Modesto, CA 95350.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

Sept. 16, 2009