Wilburn L. Dillard

Wilburn (Will) L. Dillard, 86, of Aurora, IL, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones on Friday, November, 28, 2025, after a long struggle with vascular dementia. Born on March 30, 1939 in New Albany, Mississippi, he was the son of the late Lois (Penny) and J.B. Dillard. He grew up walking the red dirt roads of his hometown and spent his early years working in the local cotton fields and farms, where he first developed a lifelong fondness for tractors.
Never one to "burn daylight", he was a dedicated and tireless worker throughout his life. At the age of 17, he followed his dad north to Illinois, arriving in Aurora on a Friday and starting work that Monday at Aurora Steel. From there, he spent several years at Mississippi Valley Steel and ultimately retired from Aurora (Metal) Industries, where he worked as a skilled welder until the age of 70.
Will loved cars, enjoyed bowling, was an avid fisherman, and spent many cherished weekends camping with family and friends. He was known for his quick wit, a great laugh that brought out his dimples, and most of all those unforgettable blue eyes. A talented woodworker and an all-around jack of all trades, master of many, he could build, fix, or improve just about anything.
Above all, he was a loving and kind husband, father, and grandfather; a beloved brother and cousin; and a favorite uncle to so many who adored him.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Jo Ann (Toepper) Dillard, his 3 daughters Michell (Howard) Mason, Patricia (Dan) Duffy, and Melody Dillard; 9 grandchildren: Jessica, Jeremy, Jennifer, and Jerald (Karley) Dillard; Kayle (Andrew) Patton, Mandy (Max) Calderon, Amy Rieger; Derrek (Mary) Duffy, and Darren (Kristin) Duffy; 21 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren; 1 sister Ruby (Lanny) Jakub; and a host of loved relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Angela Dillard, granddaughter Jeanette "Nikki" Dillard, grandson Jeffrey Dillard, great-grandson Aries Gonzalez, brothers James and Curtis Dillard, and sisters Sylvia Podschweit and Shirly Simpson.
His warmth, humor, and quiet strength will live on in all who were blessed to know him. He will be dearly missed and forever loved.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. at The Healy Chapel, 332 W. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60506. His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 10 a.m. at The Healy Chapel, Aurora. Interment will be at Lincoln Memorial Park.