Valon Dillingham

Valon Vance Dillingham, 87, of rural Wabash, Indiana, died at 5:08 am, Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. He was born on September 8, 1938, in Harrison, Arkansas, to Roswell and Lena (Bruce) Dillingham.

Valon married Martha C. King in Wabash on April 20, 1957, and they shared a long and devoted life together until her passing on May 4, 2018. He was a tool and die maker for Fisher Body in Marion for 38½ years, retiring in 1996. A proud member of the U.A.W. at General Motors and the National Rifle Association, Valon was known for his strong work ethic and steadfast values. He loved the outdoors, especially boating and camping, and he was a tremendous woodworker. He rarely missed a football game, where he cheered passionately for the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Hoosiers, and Arkansas Razorbacks, and he enjoyed watching college basketball just as much. Above all, Valon treasured time spent with his family and grandchildren, who were the true joy of his life.

He is survived by three children, Teresa Westendorf, Tonyia Dillingham, and Rob Dillingham, all of Wabash, 10 grandchildren: Goldie Reynolds, Kristi Ferguson, Scott (Tiffany) Cooksey, Kevin (Carrie) Cooksey, Jason Bowman, April (Josh) Smith, Nick (Amanda) Westendorf, Jeremy (Whitney) Westendorf, Terry (Jennifer) Dillingham, and Felicia (Darrin) Harrell, 14 great grandchildren, and sister, Roslene Harris of Kokomo, Indiana. He was also preceded in death by his parents, two daughters, Marcy Cooksey and Connie Marie Dillingham, five brothers, and one sister.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, with Tony Mercer officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Monday, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorial is St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The memorial guest book for Valon may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.