Lon K. Dillard was born November 6, 1940 and passed away at Texoma Medical Center on January 23, 2021. Lon was born to Lonnie and Kathryn Dillard in Durant, Okla.
He married his first love Patricia Hammel at the young age of 19. They recently celebrated 61 years of a dedicated and loving marriage and raised three children who loved him dearly.
Lon and Patricia are life-long residents of Durant and long-term members of Durant Church of Christ. He loved his church family and served the congregation as a Deacon, teacher, and Board member of Pettijohn Springs Christian Camp.
He earned his B.S. and M.E. at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and taught Distributive Education at Durant High School for 27 years. He is remembered fondly by students and co-workers for his wit and intelligence. He was an exceptional teacher and after retirement became an exceptional businessman in the field of real estate. He was selected Realtor of the Year in 2002 by the Texoma Board of Realtors.
Doctors have described him as a medical miracle for surviving multiple health crises over the past 30 years. Despite his health struggles, he enjoyed life to the fullest through traveling, hunting, camping, playing dominoes and card games, and studying history. He loved a good laugh and was a notorious prankster.
Lon will be remembered as a generous man, full of compassion with a heart for people, especially the less fortunate. He maintained an optimistic and open mind until his final days.
He is survived by his loving wife Patricia A. Dillard of Durant, Okla.; daughter, Sherri Smith and husband Vern from Duncanville, Texas; son, Greg Dillard and wife Tammy from Purcell, Okla.; son, Mark Dillard of Durant, Okla.; brother, Joe Dillard and wife Judy in Derby, Kan.
He will be remembered fondly by his six grandchildren (Melanie Winters, Aaron Dillard, Audrey Brown, Alyssa Hubbard, Derek Smith, Jeremy Smith) along with eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services are under the care of Holmes-Coffey-Murray. Visitation is Wednesday, January 27, 2021 from 9-10 a.m., followed by the service at 10 a.m. at Durant Church of Christ. Due to Covid precautions, the family has asked that all visitors wear facial masks and maintain social distance when possible.
The service will be available to view on the Facebook page via live stream at 10 a.m.
1 Comment
Mr. Dillard was one of the bright spots at Durant High when I was there in the 70’s. Always a cheerful man willing to teach .. and to learn. May he rest in peace.