Charles Eugene Dillon, 82, a resident of Concrete for the past 23 years, passed away Thursday, March 4, 2004 at the Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, WA. He was born on June 7, 1921 in Montrose, Colorado, the son of Asa and Alice Markley Dillon. He grew up and attended school in Delta, Colorado graduating from high school in 1939. He then attended the University of Colorado until 1942 when he entered the US Army Air Force serving during WWII until 1946. He returned to college later attaining his BA Degree in Education in 1952. Charles later attained his Masters in Education in 1953 from the University of Colorado and from 1956-1971 he was a Doctorial candidate for Education Administration. He worked for many years in education as a teacher, principal, and as a superintendent in Colorado, Alaska, Montana, and Washington serving as the Superintendent of Schools in Concrete from 1971-1976. Charles was very active in education associations throughout his career, receiving honors and awards such as Who’s Who in the West, Who’s Who in American Education, and Leaders of Secondary Education. He also was the president for 2 years of the Ravalli County, Montana Education Association along with other education organizations, and he was active in his communities serving as chairman of the Salvation Army, United Fund Drive, and being active in the American Legion, Masonic Lodge, Elks, and Lion’s Club. During his retirement years, Charles enjoyed being with friends and family, playing poker and pinochle and remolding houses. He will be remembered by his family as a loving Husband, Dad, and Grandpa. He is survived by his wife Jean Lauree Dillon at the family home in Concrete. His children, Shannon Kleinhuizen and her husband Scott of Ione, WA, James Dillon and his wife Marty of Brockton, MT, and Colleen Vickers of Tenino, WA. Grandchildren, Jason & Jenny Kleinhuizen, Chaz, Kari, & Caitlin Dillon, and Dee Vickers. A great-grandchild, Meshayla Barrett and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Lyle, Roy, & Earl, a sister Irene and an adopted sister Irene Frossard.
Memorial Services will be held on Saturday March 13, 2004 at 1:00 PM at St. Catherine’s CCD Center in Concrete with Pastor Tom Ross of Mt. Baker Presbyterian Church officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Concrete Lions Scholarship Fund. Private family inurnment services will be held at the Forest Park Cemetery in Concrete. Arrangements and services under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. You are invited to share your thoughts and memories of Charles by signing our online guestbook at wwwlemleychapel.com