Francis (Fran) Dillon

Francis (Fran) Dillon of Collbran passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on June 9, 2024. Fran was born on March 8, 1944, to Francis Dillon Sr. and Gertrude Schoen Dillon of Danbury, Connecticut, along with his twin sister Diane.

Fran attended Danbury High School and later joined the United States Marine Corp in January 1963 where he served in Viet Nam as a Sergeant. He received a purple heart for injuries sustained in combat.

In 1974, Fran moved his family to Collbran where he spent the rest of his life, enjoying time outdoors camping, hunting, and fishing with family and friends. He also enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play basketball, competing in the local gymkhana and rodeos.

Fran worked for United States Bureau of Reclamation Hydro Electric division as an equipment operator for 28 years at Bonham Reservoir rebuilding dam structures and monitoring irrigation water for our ranchers.

In 1995, Fran and Sue were married in Las Vegas and enjoyed twenty-nine years together making many wonderful memories.

Preceded in death by his parents Frank and Gertrude Dillon, twin sister Diane Rothe, brother in-law Denny Rothe and sister in-law Jean Dillon (Dick).

Survived by his wife Sue, son Brad Dillon (Femy) of Clifton, daughter Christine Allred (Wade) of Rangely, sister Janet Colla (Phil) of Danbury Connecticut and brother Dick Dillon of Molina. Other survivors include grandsons Corey Dillon, Colt (Taylor) Allred, granddaughters Katye (Kadian) Denison and Rylee as well as Great-Grand Daughter Saylor Denison, who brought him so much joy in his last months. Fran was dearly loved by his many nieces and nephews and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held July 13, 2024, at the Collbran Congregational Church at 2003 High Street at 1:00 PM.

In Lieu of flowers, donations to local American Legion or VFW would be welcome and appreciated.