Robert Dillon

Robert “Bob” Dillon was born on October 28, 1928, in Yankton, South Dakota, to John and Myrtle (Wynn) Dillon. He peacefully passed into his heavenly home on Saturday, May 4, 2024, with his family by his side.

Bob's early life was marked by difficulty and complexity, much like many Americans during the Great Depression. As a young boy, he was shuffled between orphanages and extended family members, living in various cities across South Dakota, Iowa, Texas, Nebraska, and Illinois, never attending the same school for more than a year. Although he moved frequently, he talked fondly of his Grandmother Dillon and his aunts and uncles that raised him. He especially enjoyed time spent working on their farms and they instilled in him a great work ethic. In 1944, at the age of 16, he was hired with the Santa Fe railroad. He then enlisted in the United States Marines Corp in August of 1946, going through boot camp at Parris Island, S.C. and was stationed at Portsmouth, VA. He returned to the railroad and then re-enlisted in February of 1951, going to combat training at Camp Pendleton and deploying on May 8th to Korea for over a year. Bob’s service during the Korean War was marked by significant loss but through it he gained a profound understanding of sacrifice, which deeply influenced his life and his unwavering love for his country for the remainder of his days.

While in the service, Bob married Loretta Fern Byrd on July 16, 1952 in Kingman, AZ. Their son Robert Roy “Bobby” was born in Corona, CA while they were stationed at Camp Pendleton. In 1954, after serving in the Marines, they moved to Amarillo, TX where their daughter Loretta Sue was born and Bob returned to the railroad. Later, they settled in Slaton, Texas, where their family was completed with the birth of their daughter Melissa Ann. Bob dedicated 43 years to the Santa Fe Railroad before retiring.

After retiring, Bob relocated to Brownwood, Texas, where he married Brenda Cypert and they later moved to San Angelo, Texas. In San Angelo, he became active in the Tea Party and engaged in various political and community service endeavors, driven by his commitment to improving his beloved country. Bob wrote countless newspaper articles and letters to the editor in an effort to make a difference. It was during his time in Brownwood and San Angelo that Bob reconnected with his faith in Jesus Christ, fostering many meaningful friendships that shaped his spiritual journey, which he continued until his passing.

At age 90, Bob moved to Andover, Kansas, where he lived with his daughter Loretta and her husband Steve Lemons until his passing. He had the great privilege of flying to Washington, D.C. in 2019 with the Honor Flight of Kansas. Active in the Andover Senior Center and a member of Faith Baptist Church, Bob formed many cherished friendships and delighted in the company of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, sister Maxine, brother Arnold, daughter-in-law Gayla Dillon, grandson Brian Lemons, great-granddaughter Daisy Dillon, and great-grandson Chase Dillon. Those left to cherish his memory include his three children, son Robert Roy “Bobby” Dillon of San Angelo, TX, daughter Loretta Lemons and husband Steve of Andover, KS, daughter Melissa Smith and husband Ken of Ransom Canyon, TX, wife Brenda Cypert Dillon and her daughter Denise (Paul) Wilferth of Abilene, TX, former spouse Loretta Fern Page of Slaton, TX, grandchildren Michael (Neat) Dillon, Chris (Jennifer) Lemons, Jenae (Kevin) Crowley, Brad (Brittney) Lemons, Kellie Lemons, Jake (Cara) Smith, Hannah (Aaron) Romo, Jenna Smith, Zack Smith, and Garrett. Bob was lovingly known as “Papa Dillon” by his great-grandchildren Chelsea, Dana, Dalton, Devin, Caleb, Noah, Calla, Asher, Ezekiel, Adelyn, River, Cade, Denver, Marceline, and Jocelyn and his great-great-grandchildren Kenna, Lathan, Cole, Conner, Wrenley, and Willow, leaving behind a rich legacy of love and devotion.

A Celebration of Life for Robert Dillon will be held on Thursday, May 9th at 3pm at Faith Baptist Church in Andover under the direction of Lakeview Funeral Home with Pastor Jerry Smith officiating. We invite you to celebrate Robert, and the country he loved so much, by wearing patriotic clothing of red, white, or blue. A military burial will take place in San Angelo, Texas on Saturday, May 11th at 11am at Lawnhaven Memorial Garden.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to:

Andover Senior Center

410 Lioba Drive

Andover, KS 67002

Kansas Honor Flight

PO Box 2371

Hutchinson, KS 67504