Photo courtesy of Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory - Ballwin
Wildwood, Missouri
May 12, 1953 – Sep 23, 2012
Dilliard, Fran, passed away, Sunday, September 23, 2012.
Beloved wife of Vincent Lena. Dear daughter of Robert and Winifred Dilliard (nee Sawyer). Sister of Terry (Beverly) and Kevin (Julie) Dilliard. Aunt of Holly (Paul) Hamby, Abby (Aaron) Dirksmeyer, Kaitlin and Erin Dilliard. Great-Aunt of Alec and Alexia Hamby and Landon and Kerrigan Dirksmeyer. Cousin of Joyce (Evert) Lehman, Martha and Marilyn Morrow, Janice Cornell and Amy Matthews. Sister-in-law of John (Ann) Lena. Step-mother of Kelly (Bill) Stewart, Kathy Elliott and Julie (Ryan) Lally. Step-grandmother of Taylor, Nick and Joe Stewart, Aubrey and Connor Elliott, Cameron, Evan and the late Madison Lally. Step-aunt of Jay and Rob (Carol) Lena. Dear friend of Judy and Phyllis Leventhal. She loved her little dog Chloe. Friend to many.
Fran was a pioneer female broadcaster in the St. Louis market, having worked at Channel 9, Channel 5 and Channel 4 television stations. She served as a local Business Agent for the I.B.E.W. Local 4.
Services: Memorial visitation at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Thursday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. If desired, contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure or The Madison Foundation, 1043 Johanna Dr., Ballwin, MO 63021 . Friends may sign the familys on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.
Vince, our deepest sympathies to you. We were so sorry to hear the news last Monday in Costa Rica. We will all miss Fran's bright smile.
Glenn & Martha Hoffmeister
October 02, 2012 | Wildwood, MO
Dear Vince and family- sorry for your loss in Fran's passing. As I type this I am reminded Fran was one of the most competent and dedicated TD I've ever had the pleasure to work with. To this day I still compare other TD's against her skills and dedication to her craft; not many compare. Try and realize the darkest hours do get lighter and all who knew her will miss her.
Bob Sparkman
October 01, 2012 | St. Louis, MO
Fran, will always be a truly beautiful friend to me. I will never forget her or her wonderful smile. My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you who cared so deeply about her. Fran you touched so many, may you now rest in peace.
Jim Brannon
October 01, 2012 | Coeur D'Alene, ID
Dear Vince and Family,
Fran was a great customer of our establishment, Failoni's Restaurant. We were shocked to hear of her death. She will be greatly missed by our family.
Sincerely,'
Alex, Rosemary, Alex, Jr., Rosetta, Victor, Josie and Joey Failoni
September 27, 2012
Vince and family, I was so sorry to read of Fran's passing. I enjoyed working with Fran and Vince at Channel 4 and I remember the many dinners we shared after the 6 pm. newscasts. I am glad that we remained friends and shared Christmas cards and other announcements after all these years. Vince, I wish you peace in the midst of your sorrow. May God blessed the entire family. Fran, may you rest in peace.
The Rev. Renee Fenner
September 27, 2012 | Florissant, MO
Vince, our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to you and Fran's family. God Bless.
Don & Wendy Enke, Donald & Diane Enke; Deanna Enke-Gotch and family
Don Enke
September 27, 2012 | Fenton, MO
Vince, our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to you and your family. God Bless.
Don & Wendy Enke; Donald & Diane Enke, Deanna Enke-Gotch and family
Don Enke
September 27, 2012 | Fenton, MO
What a shock to hear this news. Fran was already working at KSDK (KSD) when I arrived in 1979. She was a friend and IBEW sister who opened the door that allowed the rest of us to walk through. It wasn't easy back then but her friendship and calm demeanor were guideposts. My deepest sympathies to her family.
Terri Krueger
September 27, 2012 | Kirkwood, MO
Fran was instrumental in getting O'Fallon Township Marching Panther Band on air which led to numerous invites to march in VP Parade, Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and numerous others. She was a great lady.
Syd and Carol Spengler
September 26, 2012 | O'Fallon, IL
