Gerald E. Dillon

Gerald (Jerry) Edward Dillon died Tuesday, January 22, 2019, in Overland Park, KS. He was born November 17, 1932 in Parsons, Kansas to Frank and Mae Dillon. He survived Polio as a child. He graduated from Parsons High School in 1950. He had a varied college career, attending Parsons Junior College, Creighton University, the University of Kansas, and Pittsburg State where he graduated in 1954. During college, he participated in R.O.T.C. and entered the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant following graduation. After serving his 2 year commitment, mostly in Germany, he returned to Pittsburg State University where he completed a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. He then began what was to be a lifetime career with the U.S. Department of Labor (D.O.L.). He started in Wichita, KS but was soon called to work in the D.O. L. office in Washington D. C. in 1960. In 1974 he accepted a position as a D.O.L. Regional Administrator in Kansas City, Missouri, a position he held until his retirement in 1995. While working in the Washington Personnel office, he processed the appointment of Kathleen Whalin, a recent college graduate. After a time, they began dating and were married in 1964. They had five children, four girls and one boy. Jerry enjoyed babysitting the grandchildren and keeping up with the children’s activities, especially their sports such as soccer.

He loved Big Band music and was quite the dancer in his day. The Three Stooges were a particular favorite and he followed the Royals, the Chiefs, Kansas Jayhawk basketball and Notre Dame football. For many years his day was not complete until he finished the New York Times crossword puzzle. Once Kathleen retired, they enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Florida.

He was predeceased by his parents and sisters Jeanne Wesolak and Kay Attebery. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; children, Sheila (Aaron) Grantham and Anne Dillon of Overland Park, KS, Gavin (Kathy) Dillon of Issaquah, WA, Tara (Scott) Simpson of Carrollton, TX and Kylie (Patrick) Taylor of Northbrook, IL. Additional survivors include his grandchildren Connor, Emily, Dillon and Aidan Grantham; Keelin, Rowan, and Shea Dillon; Sean, Kyle and Leah Simpson; and Flynn, Cameron, and Kara Taylor.

Visitation will be held Friday from 6pm to 8pm, January 25, at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO. The funeral service will take place Saturday, January 26 at 1:00 pm at St. Michael the Archangel Church at 143rd and Nall, Leawood, KS. Contributions in his memory in lieu of flowers may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Head for the Cure.