Robert Paul "Bob" Dillender

Bob Dillender, a lifelong resident of Martinsville, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026. His wife, brother, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephew visited him daily at Otterbein of Franklin SeniorLife Community over the past month and beautifully walked him home to be with Jesus. Bob's family kept music from Christian radio playing continuously in his room near the end of his illness and family visited and sang hymns to Bob to help comfort him.

Bob was born on Thursday, July 19, 1945 at Morgan County Memorial Hospital on Main Street. His parents, Merrill and Frances (Dilley) Dillender preceded him in death. He has one older brother Mark Dillender who resides in Franklin. Mark has been a faithful companion and friend to Bob and loved him well. Mark and Bob went on many adventures of breakfast and lunch outings while Bob was in Assisted Living and even when Bob transitioned to memory care Mark would regularly take him outside to get fresh air and talk to other residents.

Bob graduated from Martinsville High School in 1963. Bob joined the Army National Guard shortly after graduating high school achieving the rank of private. He was always very proud of having driven a Deuce and a half truck during his time in the military. He received an Honorable Discharge on September 19, 1967.

He married Paula Dunn on December 12, 1964 at Liberty Christian Church in Martinsville with Clergy Richard Throckmorton officiating. Bob and Paula knew each other from high school and Bob was so shy he had his best friend Willard ask Paula to go on a first date with Bob. Paula said yes and Bob and Paula were married 61 years. Although Bob had issues with his memory due to vascular dementia Bob always greeted Paula with "hello beautiful" as she walked in to visit him in memory care. Paula was a steadfast wife, loving and caring for him and covering him in prayer.

Bob's work history included positions as a butcher, security guard, and gas station manager. During the time he and Paula were dating they both worked for IGA where she was a cashier and he worked in the meat department as a butcher. Bob managed different local gas stations in Martinsville where he was known for his customer service and friendly disposition. His final job prior to retiring was working at the IPL plant on Blue Bluff Road as a security guard.

As a younger man, Bob loved playing basketball with his brother and other friends. He played the guitar for most of his life and would often play for church, and family gatherings. His father also played guitar and they would play together for family gatherings entertaining the kids. A favorite song the kids enjoyed was Uncle Noah's Ark complete with sound effects of the animal sounds which he and his father did with ease.

Although Bob's formal name was Robert, he insisted on being called Bob and would often become frustrated with people who called him Robert and quickly correct them. Bob's mother, Frances, affectionately called him Bobby. Frances adored her boys Mark and Bobby.

Remaining to cherish Bob Dillender are his wife, Paula Dillender; sons, Rob Dillender (Wendi), Michael Dillender (Dina); daughter, Rebecca Brooks (David); grandchildren, Emily Mosier (Nick), Alexandria Dillender, Brandon Dillender (Nadya), Ethan Brooks (Hannah), Sean Sipes (Kimrey), Evan Brooks (Chloe), Jacob Dillender; great grandchildren, Josie Brooks, Esmay Dillender, Elijah Brooks; brother, Mark Dillender (Carole).

A celebration of life service will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Costin Funeral Chapel with Pastor Chris Page officiating. Visitation will be two hours before the service beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will be in New South Park Cemetery in Martinsville.