Jack Lee Dillon was born Feb. 26, 1936, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Marion and Wilma (Ellis) Dillon. His early years were spent on the farm south of Wellman then moved to a farm northwest of Keota. He graduated from Keota High School, attended two years of college through different schools and the Community College of the Air Force. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in June of 1954 and spent 20 years, 2 months and 10 days, before retiring. After retiring from the Air Force, he entered into a career in law enforcement, being a Washington County Deputy Sheriff for 25 years, retiring in 2000.
Jack was united in marriage to Marilyn Joyce Graf on Aug. 9, 1958, in Albany, Georgia. He was a member of the Wellman Baptist Church, where he has served as a deacon, past president of Wellman Rotary, Washington County Board of Supervisors, Mid-Prairie School Board, past master of the Dayton Masonic Lodge #149 and American Legion past post commander. Jack enjoyed tinkering in his garage and basement, doing woodworking, genealogy, listening to classical music, shopping, sitting on his porch and spending time with his family. Jack passed away Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at the Keota Health Care Center in Keota at the age of 87 years.
He is survived by his wife: Joyce; two daughters: Deanna Griffith of Kalona and Patricia (David) Schuller of Swisher; four grandchildren: Sarah (Michael) Houston, Kristen (Ryan) Harrelson, Morgan Ebel and Jonathan (Amanda) Schuller; 10 great-grandchildren; a sister: Sue Dillon of Winfield; and a brother: Scott Dillon of Winfield.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son-in-law: John Griffith.
Celebration of life service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at the Wellman Baptist Church in Wellman. Burial will be in the Wellman Cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be Friday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Powell Funeral Home in Wellman. A memorial fund has been established for Wellman Baptist Church or Washington County Hospice.Messages and tributes may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com
