When Lindale resident Don Milton was growing up, he lived in a two-story white frame house at 105 Walnut Ave.

It was his family’s house for 20 years but eventually it was torn down, along with a few others, and replaced with the Gilbreath Recreation Center in their place.

In honor of Milton and other veterans from the area, a plaque was mounted on the back of the center and dedicated Sunday with the help of Pat Sims.

“I feel like there’s not enough done for people like him who help veterans,” Sims said. “It took eight weeks to get everything approved, and we had the plaque back in four weeks.”

Milton — who died in August 2008 — spent 34 years at the Georgia Department of Veterans Affairs, helping veterans across the state.

“It was nice to be able to do something in his memory,” Sims said.

The small ceremony drew friends and family, including Milton’s lifelong friend Jim Mehaffey and former co-worker Steve Rood.

Milton’s wife, Nellie, said she was glad to have recognition for, not just for her husband but, other veterans he helped over the years. She said her husband was dedicated to doing what he could to make their lives better.

“Even after he retired he was always willing to help any veteran who called with a problem or concern,” she said.

Nellie Milton said she had fond memories of her husband’s house, and said the back porch once stood where the entrance to the center is today.

“Back then there were houses up and down the block,” she said. “They all looked alike, and a family lived on each side.”