Vern Montro Dillman Jr.

Vern Montro Dillman Jr., 91, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025. Born on February 12, 1934, in Miami County, Indiana, Vern lived a rich and joyful life filled with laughter, service, adventure, and love.

After graduating from Fulton High School in 1953, Vern proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as an aircraft mechanic. His 22-year military career took him across the globe, with postings in Morocco, Libya, Vietnam, Germany, and Spain. He retired from the Air Force in 1975 and later worked as an insurance agent with New York Life for over two decades. After retirement, Vern volunteered his time at church.

Vern married the love of his life, Claudia Ann (Phillips) Dillman, on June 2, 1956, in Amarillo, Texas. Together, they shared 63 wonderful years before her passing in 2020. Vern was blessed to find companionship and love again with his second wife, Lois Jean (Brice) Dillman, who survives him.

Vern was a devoted father to Rhonda (Dillman) Furstenau and her husband Devon, Ronald Dillman and his wife Jill, and Rex Dillman and his former wife Lisa. He was the proud grandfather of Crystal Kujawa (Paul), Stephanie Buncak (Thomas), Jayson Dillman Sims (Ashley), Tara Furstenau (Christopher McCormack), Tyler Dillman (Katie), Leah Mangum (Wesley), Paige Birkinshaw (Geremy), Brandon Dillman, Marshall Dillman, and Lily Dillman.

His legacy continues through his many great-grandchildren: Madison, Grady, Brantley, Griffey, Bailey, Jackson, Marissa, Tyler, William, Damien, Josh, Faith, Wyatt, Charlotte, Hudson, and Beau, and great-great-grandchildren: Eleanor, Elliot, and Mason.

Vern was preceded in death by his beloved wife Claudia, his granddaughters D’Anna and Brianna, and his sisters Betty, Marilyn, Joann, Joyce, Letta, and Judy. He is survived by his sisters Carol Wray (Frankfort, IN), Janet Gunter (Rochester, IN), and Karon Hoover (Twelve Mile, IN).

Those who knew Vern will always remember his warm heart, mischievous grin, and his signature send-off: “Glad you got to see me again.” He had a gift for turning strangers into friends with a streak of orneriness that made every interaction a little brighter. Vern was not one to sit still for long – he loved staying active and was always working on something. Whether it was hunting, fishing, restoring classic cars, woodworking, or riding ATVs through the forests near his cabin, he found joy in working with his hands and spending time outdoors. Some of his happiest moments were spent on the porch, enjoying raspberry chipotle salsa and good conversation with those he loved.

Vern’s Christian faith was a steady part of his life. He was an active member of Brown Road Baptist Church in Mesa and gave his time generously to the church community. He modeled values of kindness, service, and integrity and instilled those in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Please join the family as they honor the life of Vern on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Brown Road Baptist Church on 4801 E. Brown Rd., Mesa, AZ 85205.

Military Honors and placement at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona will be held on November 24, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85024.