Lee R. Dillon

1929 - 2026

Lee R. Dillon

October 6, 1929 - March 11, 2026

Belleville, Illinois - Lee R. Dillon, born October 6, 1929, in Selmer, Tennessee, departed from this life on March 11, 2026, at his residence. He died peacefully surrounded by his children who loved him fiercely.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Peggy J. Dillon, his parents, Joshua and Pauline Dillon, his brothers, Gene, Jerry, Joe, John and Ted Dillon, his sister, Evelyn Lowrance, step-son, Rick Mitchell, step-daughter, Bonnie Jones, granddaughter, Shayna Lawler, grandson, Shawn Mitchell, Jr., and son-in-law, Michael Lada.

Lee is survived by his children, Paula (Gregory) Eitzenhefer, Kelly (Steven Mitchell) Arnold, Jeffrey Dillon, Tracy (Matthew) Dillon-Painter, Sandra Lada, Daniel (Cheryl) Mitchell, Shawn Mitchell, 23 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by two sisters with whom he was very close, Nola Rigsby and Judy (Dave) Drake.

Lee proudly served his country and was a veteran of the Korean War, a service that remained a great source of pride for him and his family.

Lee retired from Strange & Coleman as a shop foreman. After retirement, he continued to work in maintenance for Fairfield Inns until the age of 84. He always possessed a strong work ethic and was a dedicated and reliable employee. He was very well-liked and respected by his supervisors and co-workers.

He was a gentle, very loving, generous, and adored father. He always did his best to help his children and grandchildren in any way possible. He had a very special relationship with his granddaughter, Mandy. He loved time with all his family and always made the effort to be present for every event, both near and far. His family will feel the pain of his absence for the rest of their lives.

Lee made many friends throughout his life and has outlived a lot of them, but we give special recognition to Ann Taylor and Jim Lipe. When out with dad, someone always made sure to let us know just how highly they thought of him. He was quick-witted, loved a good joke, dressed impeccably and was handsome with a charming smile and laugh. He loved listening to country music, especially George Jones and Waylon Jennings. He was a good dancer and his family always enjoyed watching him cut a rug. He greatly enjoyed many card games with his friends and truly appreciated a great steak and a half-shot vodka tonic. He wanted to live forever and he just about did.

Lee's family would like to sincerely thank Nicole, Randy, Trina and Jamie of Heartland Hospice for their outstanding and extremely compassionate care of our dad and all of us. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heartland Hospice, 333 Salem Place, Suite 165, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 or at https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/gentivafoundation/ghs.html