Marvin “Pete” Elmer Dillon was born on Sept 26, 1919 to John & Bessie Dillon on a farm NE of Portis, KS. He passed away at Parkview Care Center in Osborne on Sept 1, 2024, at the age of 104.
He was 1 of 6 children and they were raised on the farm in Smith County. Pete graduated from Portis High School in 1937. In 1941 he entered the US Army as a Medic and was honorably discharged in 1945. He went to work for List and Clark Construction and was a part of building the Portis Bridge and Waconda Lake along with several others until 1971. He then went to work for Hardman Wholesale until his retirement in 1991.
Pete married the love of his life, Edna Snyder, in 1957 and they were married for 57 years before she passed away in 2014. Pete cared for Edna in her declining years with a love that was for all to admire. He took her to church every Sunday when Edna was unable to go on her own.
Pete inherited Edna’s daughter, Coleene, when they married and soon became a Grandpa to Coleene’s 5 boys. He was known as Grandpa Pete until the day he died.
Some memories from his grandsons…
Rick says you did not touch stuff in his house that you weren’t supposed to or you got slapped with an emery board. He also says Grandpa Pete was the most fun Grandpa to be around
Troy says Grandpa made him shoot left-handed because he told him he couldn’t shoot very well with the other one. Grandpa and Grandma held picnics under the trees in their yard and a bird pooped on Troy's hamburger one day. Everyone was laughing and Pete said in his loud tone “eat it boy.”
Brad loved to pick up Grandpa every year to go hunting. He hunted every year until he was in his 90's. Although unable to hear, Grandpa would turn around in the field to shoot a bird.
Bob remembers when Grandpa was 78 he walked out onto Brad’s 2 story house roof standing straight up while Brad & Bob were crawling because of how steep it was.
Billy says Grandpa and all the grandsons would love to go to the Harlan dam to fish.
Other family members shared memories too saying that Grandpa was a quiet man with an easy laugh. He smiled a lot when him and Grandma Edna were together. And he was always welcoming to nieces and other family members when they came to visit
Many of the great grandchildren have sweet memories of his daily walk with Grandma Edna and working in his garden.
Pete was a true servant all of his years. Edna and Pete had their routine. Edna would cook and Pete would clean up every meal. Pete was always there helping Edna, Coleene or the grandsons on whatever was needed. He hauled cheesy green beans and roast beef or turkey with all the fixings to Coleene’s house for years for the whole family.
I had a dear family friend remind me of a Bible Verse that speaks so much truth that applies to Grandpa so well. James Chapter 1, Verse 12; Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Grandpa loved showing old family home movies at Christmas time from when the grandson’s were little. He also shared his adventures of hoboing across the country; jumping trains and catching chickens for food.
Grandpa and his brother, Wayne, went fishing together often and neither one could hear. They would always yell at each other about having a bite and they didn’t have a clue the other one was yelling.
Grandpa “Pete” was preceded in death by his wife Edna in 2014, his parents John and Bessie and his 5 siblings; Wayne, Ruby Louise, Gladys, and Gilbert.
He is survived by his daughter, Coleene, and husband, Bill, of Osborne. His 5 grandsons; Bill (Sheri), Bob (Teri), Brad (Melissa), Troy (Shelia), and Rick (Karen); all of Osborne. 20 great grandchildren, 31 great-great grandchildren and 1 great-great-great grandchild. He is also survived by 5 niecesDeeann Conn, Barbara Grabbe, Claudia Schurr, Deb Rannebeck & Diane Sickman..
Grandpa lived alone for 10 years after Grandma Edna died. He spoke to Edna at her funeral stating that he would be seeing her soon. He moved in with Coleene and Bill for his last 8 months because of declining health. He was in the hospital for a few days in August and then in Parkview for less than a week.
We will miss you Grandpa Pete. Thank you for being so good to all of us. We are happy you are joining Grandma Edna and will be able to enjoy your walks together once again.