John E. Dillon, 83, a life-long member of the Overbrook, Kansas community, left this world on January 5, 2024. He was born on December 7, 1940 in rural Douglas County, Kansas. John was a man of hard work and dedication, and his legacy extends far beyond the boundaries of Overbrook, KS. John passed away peacefully in his sleep after an extended illness.
John graduated from Overbrook Rural High School in 1958. In 1959, he married Joyce Garst, and together they built a life of farming and raising three boys, Jeffrey, Douglas, and David. All successful in their own professions, the “Dillon Boys” took the values of hard work and honesty from their father. Lt. David Dillon, of the Douglas County Sherriff’s Office passed away in 2008 from an accident. John leaves his legacy to Jeffrey and Douglas, as well as 4 grandchildren: Meghan, Austin, Molly, and Cameron. Followed by 6 great grandchildren.
John Dillon was the son of Howard and Pearl Dillon and was born and raised in the farmhouse in Douglas County where his grandparents lived. He is survived by two sisters, Jackie Flory and Yvonne Heinen, a sister in-law Marsha Kay and brother-in-law Douglas Garst and wife Julie.
In 1958, John and his father along with his sister’s family, built one of the largest family dairy operations in Northeast Kansas, Dillon-Flory Dairy. The Dillon and Flory families embraced the life of dairy farmers, where they tended to the land and livestock with unwavering commitment. In 1982, a new chapter unfolded as John, alongside his wife Joyce, ventured into the ownership and operation of the Overbrook Livestock Commission Company—a venture that thrived under their watchful care until 2004.
On Wednesday, January 10th, Mr. Dillon will be instate from 12 pm -8 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, family will receive friends from 6 pm – 7 pm at 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS 66044.
A celebration of John’s life will be held on January 28, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the Willow Bend Event Center at 2241 E 141st St, Carbondale, KS. A private family graveside service will be held this week at Washington Creek Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions to the John Dillon Fund. These gifts will be used to establish a memorial to farmers and ranchers of the Overbrook area and or a scholarship for young adults entering the challenging yet rewarding world of cattle farming.
Donations can be sent to the John Dillon Fund, PO Box 81, Overbrook, KS 66524.
John E. Dillon’s legacy will live on in the fields he worked, the family he cherished, and the community he enriched. He will be remembered as a man whose hands were calloused from hard working and honest values that he gave to his family and community.
To the Dillon Family,
Sorry for your loss.
John was a kind and caring man. He gave so much to the Overbrook community. My deepest sympathies to his wife Joyce and family.
Dillon family; Was saddened to hear of Johns passing. He was a great easy going guy, that I truly going to miss. Also going his wisdom and visiting with him. The Douglas and Osage county agriculture world has certainly lost a friend. Thoughts and prayers to you all.