Elzie “Darrald” Allton, 89, of Uniontown, PA, died, Wednesday, March 15, 2023, in Bella Healthcare Center, Uniontown, PA.
Darrald was born March 22, 1933, in Uniontown, PA to the late Elzie Allton and the late Edna (Jamison) Allton.
During his working years, Darrald was a military corrections officer.
He was a proud Marine, with an impressive military career and over 20 years of service. He dedicated a large portion of his life to serving his country both stateside and abroad.
While in the military, he received many medals and commendations, including a Purple Heart Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Meritorious Medal, RVN Cross of Gallantry, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and Presidential Unit Citation.
He is survived by his children, George Allton, Darrald Allton, Todd Allton, Theresa Neal and Rae Speelman; siblings, Naomi Hudson and Jeanie Chisnell, to whom he was a wonderful brother and will be dearly missed; grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; as well as his good friend and caretaker, Brina Smartnick and her children, Jayden Nobles, Janayah Nobles and Johneisa Nobles. He will also be missed by his phone friend, Lisa Potoka.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Edna Keller; his brother, Charles Allton and two great grandchildren.
In accordance with Darrald’s wishes, there will be NO PUBLIC VISITATION.
Burial service in Church Hill Cemetery, McClellandtown, PA, with military honors accorded by the Hopwood AMVETS Post 103, will be scheduled at a later date.
Condolences for the family may be left at www.burhanscrousefuneralhome.com or on the funeral home’s Facebook page, @burhanscrouse.
In lieu of the flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Darrald’s name to Hopwood AMVETS Post 103, 123 Buttermilk Lane, Hopwood, PA 15445.
THE FINAL INSPECTION
The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his soldiers and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills just got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgement of his God.
"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
I'
Author: Sgt Joshua Helterbran
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