GEORGE DILLARD

Dad passed away on Friday, March 27, 2015. He was born in Fresno, CA on November 21, 1922, to George and Cruz Dillard, owners of Estrada's Spanish Kitchen. He was a graduate of Fresno High School and California State University, Fresno. He worked for the California Youth Authority and then as manager and bartender for Estrada's. After his mother's passing, he worked for the United States Postal Service until his retirement. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army Air Corp, serving during World War II as a Ball Turret Gunner. Dad was shot down over France and spent the majority of his service as a Prisoner of War in German prison camps. He was a founding member of the American Ex-Prisoner of War Fresno Chapter 1 and a life member of the Elks. Dad was an avid outdoorsman. The family would like to thank Dr. Ronald Naggar for the years of care for Dad. He is preceded in death by his sister, Louise "Tede"; brother Ralph; his eldest son Tom; and his grandchildren, Jennifer and Tommy Miller. He is survived by his children, Patricia, Marcine Wegner, Tobie Dean, James, Ellis, and Stephanie Niazi; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and his beloved Jessie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Friday, April 10, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Dad requested donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 1525 East Saginaw Way, Fresno, California (559)227-4048