Vern was born on April 4, 1929, to William and Ada Dillon in Armona, CA, and passed away on June 5, 2015, in Fresno, CA. He was raised on a farm outside Hanford, CA, with his eight brothers and two sisters. He graduated from Hanford High School and then studied at College of the Sequoias Junior College in Visalia, CA, for two years. Vern enlisted in the United States Army in December of 1950, and served for 17 and a half months in Korea.
On June 21, 1953, Vern married Jean Turney. They were blessed with three children, two sons, and one daughter.
Vern served as Troop #100 Boy Scouts of American assistant leader for six years and Indian Guide leader for four years. He retired from Pfizer Inc. on December 31, 1993, after 30 years. He was selected to the Honor Council at Pfizer as "Salesman of The Year" many times over the years. During that period of time, he served on the Board of Directors for Pacific Egg and Poultry that included 11 western states and two Canadian Providences, representing the Allied Industry. In addition to his work with Pfizer, Vern also served on various Boards and Committee's for organizations such as California Pork Producers Association, Pork Producers Allied Industry and the California Cattlemen's Association. Another of Vern's great passions was his work with Kiwanis. He was a 21 year member of the Kiwanis International Organization and was honored to serve as President of East Fresno Kiwanis Club in 2005 to 2006, Lt. Governor for District 5, 2008 to 2009, a Charter Member of the Kiwanis Club of Caruthers, CA, Membership Chairman, and New Club Builder for Division 5. Vern also was a member of the Board of Directors for Sheriff's Foundation for Public Safety.
Vern has left this earth and joined his son Craig Dillon; daughter, Lisa Dillon Bettencourt; grandson, Zachery Bettencourt; sister, Mildred Huddleston; and brothers, Kenneth Dillon, and Calvin Dillon, who preceded him in death.
He is survived by Jean, his loving wife of 61 years; son, Michael and his wife Teresa of Madera; his grandchildren, Michael Dillon Jr. of Phoenix, AZ, Elizabeth Dillon of Madera, CA, and Salina Schmidt of Fresno, CA; and his five great-grandchildren. Vern is also survived by his siblings, Wilma Reed of Armona, CA, Wayne Dillon and his wife Iris of Marysvale, UT, Elb Dillon and his wife Janet of Lemoore, CA, William Dillon of San Bernardino, CA, Roland Dillon and his wife Betty of Tulare, CA, Edwin Dillon of Carson City, NV, and Donald Dillon of Grover Beach, CA 93612; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Stephens & Bean Chapel, on Wednesday, June 10, 2015, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
A Funeral Service will be at Stephens & Bean Chapel on Thursday, June 11, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Belmont Memorial Park. A Luncheon to follow at Clovis Veterans Memorial Building, 453 Hughes Ave., Clovis, CA.
Remembrances may be made to Make a Wish Foundation, 351 Cromwell Ave., Fresno, CA 93711; or to the donor's favorite charity.
Arrangements under the direction of Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel, Fresno, CA.
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