Robert Leon Dillon, 79, of Stronghurst, entered eternal rest on January 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at Oaklane Nursing and Rehab.
Born on February 23, 1941 in Monmouth,Illinois, Bob was the youngest son of John and Laura Johnson Dillon. He grew up outside of Stronghurst on his family’s dairy farm, where he and his two brothers worked, yet still found time to be mischievous. In school, Bob participated in many extra curriculars, including basketball, football, track, and band, while still maintaining social butterfly status. Bob graduated from Stronghurst High School in 1959, and soon entered the United States Navy. One of his proudest moments of being a crew member of the USS Lake Champlain was when they picked up Alan Shepherd from the Pacific Ocean after his space flight in 1961. He was fortunate to see many parts of the world during his military service.
Once back in Stronghurst, Bob soon opened DIllon’s Feed and Farm Supply. Later, he became a regional supervisor for Cargill, then Illini Feeds, while still maintaining his own business. During this time, Bob reconnected with a former schoolmate, Carole Veech Manley. The two married on June 27, 1981, uniting their two families. Bob eventually sold his feed business and opened Dillon’s Realty and Appraisal. Bob’s careers allowed him to do what he loved most-interacting with people and sharing his wisdom, wit, and humor.
Bob was a very active member of the community, where he was involved in several organizations. He was a member of the Stronghurst Christian Church, serving as an elder, and leading numerous bible studies. He was often seen driving around town, and rarely missed a morning breakfast at the local restaurant, or an afternoon coffee at FS.
He is survived by his wife Carole, his brother, Roger (Bonnie) Dillon of Quincy, and 6 children: Tim (Tiffany) Dillon of Duluth, Georgia, Natalie (Todd) Ensminger of Carman, Elizabeth (Ryan) Ablon of Las Vegas, Lisa (Jon) Corzatt of Raritan, Shelley (Mark) Graves of Lake Saint Louis, and Shannon (Chad) Watson of Ankeny, Iowa. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, with one on the way. His family celebrates the fact that he is at peace with his creator, while leaving a trail of laughter, generosity, compassion, and faith for all to follow.
Friends may call as they desire from 1 to 5 pm Wednesday, January 27th at Banks and Beals in Stronghurst. Due to the pandemic, a private family funeral service will be held. Burial, with military rites will be in the Stronghurst Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for the Stronghurst Christian Church and Oaklane Nursing and Rehab. Please visit Bob’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.
