Dallas E. Dillon
November 1957 ~ March 2020
Dallas E. Dillon passed away peacefully at home Saturday, March 20, 2020, with his wife Susan by his side. Dallas was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia and Early Onset Alzheimer's disease in his mid-fifties, which eventually took away most of his memories and abilities, but not his love for faith, family, friends, and music.
Born in Baldwin City, Kansas, to Elvin and LaVergne Dillon, Dallas enjoyed a healthy lifestyle fixing fence, putting up hay, and playing sports year-round. He was an exceptional athlete and an outstanding student. He matriculated at Baker College, graduating in three and a half years, then moved to New York City where he attended St. John's University and earned his MA in English, as well as Susan's heart. After graduation he worked for several years as an English instructor at LaGuardia Community College and Monroe College as well as a French instructor at the Berlitz School.
Dallas moved to California in the 80's to accept a teaching position in the Humanities Department at Merced College, where he worked for over 25 years. He not only taught his students the importance of critical thinking as seen through all texts, he also promoted collegiality with his peers whether organizing faculty golf tournaments or educated guessing during the month of March. A life-long student, he decided to continue his education, earning his Ph.D. in literature from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1996. We celebrated Dr. Dallas E. Dillon coast to coast that year.
Always aware of his good fortune to live in an area where he could golf year-round, he just about did, or he traveled someplace he could. He never went anywhere without his clubs. Even his wedding was a golf vacation, as Susan and Dallas married on the 12th hole of the Kona Coast Country Club on June 7, 1995.
Dallas will be remembered for his love of live music, especially performed by the Stones, attending as many concerts as he could each tour. He wouldn't hesitate to travel across the country to see them, usually meeting up with his Bronx pals, looking forward to the set-list arguments after each show.
An avid sports fan, he took the number 24 for his jerseys and roulette number in honor of favorite player Willy Mays. He loved going to Giants' games, and he rarely missed a Kansas or St. John's basketball game on television. One of his proudest moments was surviving the Black Hole in Oakland while rooting for his favorite football team the Kansas City Chiefs.
Dallas was able to remain in his home thanks to Community Hospice, and his caregivers from Bethany In-Home services but, most of all, thanks to Ashley Carroll, his favorite caregiver, whom he could make laugh with his Chuck Berry moves and Seinfeldian eye rolls. Additional thanks to an amazing circle of support, especially Dallas' friend Kitty, as well as neighbors and friends, who provided prayers, posies, and countless meals over the years. The Central Catholic High School community was instrumental, too, going above and beyond for Dallas and his needs. It really is a WE thing.
Although Dallas' life on earth was all too short, we rejoice that he has eternal life in heaven. He was predeceased by his beloved parents and his special cat Maeve. He is survived by his wife Susan, forever united in love and laughter. He is also survived by his brother Tom Dillon, his hero and best friend, sister-in-law Dianna, and their children Slade, Travis (Lisa), and Dina Dillon, all of Kansas. Sisters-in-law Sr. Nancy Richter, OP, Janet Richter (Michael), nieces Samantha and Erica, all of New York, and brother-in-law Jim Richter (Aimee), nephews Connor and Logan of Arizona will also miss him dearly.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers to consider a donation to one of the following organizations: Archdiocese for the Military Services (chaplain support); Cat Network of Stanislaus; or Central Catholic High School, for a Shakespeare garden in Dallas' memory.
Dallas will be interred in Washington Creek Cemetery in Lawrence, Kansas. Several celebrations of life with good food and great music will be held in New York, Kansas, and California at dates to be determined. Dallas always felt people should live on both coasts at some point in their lives but land in the middle. Well done, sweet prince. May the Good Lord shine a light on you.
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Published by Merced Sun Star & Modesto Bee from Mar. 29 to Apr. 1, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Dallas Dillon

15 Entries

Laurence Lande

May 5, 2024

I am so sorry to find an article by my college friend, Susan Richter Dillon, who I last saw at the funeral of one of her parents. I stayed in contact until May 2011, after which calling her about the death of a friend, I no longer heard from her. Perhaps now I understand why. Dallas, must have been diagnosed a year after. I am sorry for this lovely couple. I hope she has her health & mind. Maybe she will finally reach out to me. I found this on Cinco De Mayo, 2024. I send everlasting love & hope to hear from my friend of April 1979, college film class at St. Johns U, to April 2011. From Laurence Lande. My dear Susan who conveyed to me her love of kittens. I always thought his name was right for a movie star !!

Rich Dixon

July 15, 2022

Dallas was a mentor of sorts. He helped me through my first year of teaching at Merced College. He even invited me to play in the faculty tournament. He was fair and tough. When I won the tournament, my name was added to the trophy. Dallas chuckled when I insisted that anonymous won that year´s event. RIP.

Cheryl Bryant

June 25, 2020

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Ila Andersen Russell

June 24, 2020

Always liked Dallas - haven't seen him since High School. My thoughts to the family and other friends. Alzheimer's is such a sad time for the individual and the family and friends.

Adam Carson

May 31, 2020

His name just came into mind randomly just now so I googled him. He was my second English 1a teacher, and I really liked him. My grade came down to 2% a D.

I went back to him 3 years later because all I needed was 2% of my grade to get a general studies and a liberal arts double AA. He pulled my final paper out of his desk. He knew right where it was. It was called AirPower. I was that idiot. He gave me another chance to write one, but I messed that up too.

A few years later he found me near his house when he walked his spaniel. He used to come by weekly while I built a subdivision near his home. I dont know where he lived, but he used to come around. It was very close to MC. He was my favorite. He didnt fail me. I failed myself, and I knew it. I have fond memories.

April 4, 2020

My condolences to Tom and family.
Barbara Krysztof

Robin Sawyer-Peters

April 1, 2020

My condolences and prayers to all of Dallas' family and friends.
Robin Sawyer Peters

Vanessa

March 31, 2020

Im so sorry to hear that one of my favorite professors at Merced College has passed away. The books he assigned in class happen to be one of my favorites: Steppenwolf, The Stranger, and The Alchemist. I also admired his ability to speak his mind with no hesitation nor regret. Funny story: He once kicked me out of class, as well as, the rest of the class because I didnt read one of the chapters off his assigned book. I took it as a compliment because he had a tendency of always asking for my perspective on certain passages. Im truly sorry for your loss.

March 30, 2020

So sorry for his family and friends. He lived a wonderful life for his time here and inspired his students and those around him to live their lives to the fullest. I was one of the golfers who was able to share our little faculty tournaments at Merced College that he planned. May he rest in Peace.
Deanna Hauser

Keith Law

March 30, 2020

Condolences to Susan and all of Dallas' family and friends. Dallas was one of the best lecturers at Merced College. I never met any other who did more to uphold high standards in the face of the many leveling forces. He refused to offer students anything less than a genuine college education. He challenged me to be a better lecturer and writer, and to this day any time I write anything that winds up being readable I owe that in part to Dallas. When Dallas taught humanities courses he would consult with me when it came to the art sections, which was my background. He took as well as he gave. Dallas was a large and impressive spirit and he lives on in many ways including through his students, among whom I count myself.

Jocias

March 29, 2020

My condolences to his family. I had the pleasure of taking Dr. Dillon's British Literature course while attending Merced College. In fact, Dallas was one of the few professors who inspired me to pursue my Masters in American Literature. As a former student of his, truly I feel as though I was standing on the shoulders of a giant. You will be missed, Dr. Dillon.

March 28, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Ashley Carroll

March 27, 2020

I truly believe Im a better person for knowing Dallas! He was the most kind and caring man, even in his final years. He was also full of so much spunk and we enjoyed many laughs and dance parties together! I will never forget the memories I made, and will forever cherish my time with him! A huge thank you to his wife, Susan, for being his biggest advocate and always staying by his side through the good and the bad times. You can now Rest In Peace my sweet friend

Marlin L.

March 27, 2020

From kindergarten to Baker University Dallas was one of my best friends. Sorrowful and heart breaking loss for those who knew him. I will miss my fellow philosopher and his arguments. In communion of prayers.

Chris Ridley

March 26, 2020

I was a high school friend that Dallas let into his world. He was glib, funny, caring, kind and absolutely one of the lives I treasure. I spent many a night at the Dillon homestead. We laughed, we lamented, we matured, but we never grew up. I regret not keeping I touch with Dallas. He was special and he loved life. RIP good friend.

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