Laverne "Speed" Dillon

Speed grew up in Upper Sandusky, OH and graduated from Upper Sandusky HS in 1964. He was a proud alumnus of The Ohio State University having earned a B.S. in Business Administration in 1968 and his Masters degree in 1978. After graduating college, Speed moved to Dayton and worked in production management before he began his career in education at Springboro HS. It was there he met his future bride, Elizabeth “Liz” (Miller) Dillon on the steps of the school while she was coaching the drill team and he was starting on his first day.

Speed and Liz were married at South Park United Methodist Church in Dayton on June 28, 1975. The couple later moved to Gahanna when Speed began a career of over 26 years at the State of Ohio Department of Education where he was a Supervisor of Marketing Education (OMEA/DECA). Speed’s passion and commitment for education were realized in his roles on the boards of education for both Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools and Eastland Fairfield Career Center.

Speed attended Stonybrook United Methodist Church where he enjoyed serving on various committees, mission trips and other church activities. He also enjoyed participating in his Sunday evening small group where he grew in friendship and faith. It was in this community of faith that many life-long friendships were made which he treasured deeply.

In addition to his parents, Speed is also preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Max Picklesimer, his nephew, Jeffrey Shafer, and his in-laws, Red and Virginia Miller.

He is survived by his wife, Liz, his daughter, Stephanie, and her husband, Phil Rode. Speed was the happiest when in the company of his three granddaughters: Audrey, Paige, and Ellie, who he would brag on to anyone who would listen. He is also survived by many other family members and friends who loved him.

The family will host a gathering of friends from 10-11am on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at Stonybrook United Methodist Church, 485 Cherry Bottom Rd., Gahanna, where a Memorial Service will follow at 11am, officiated by Pastor Clara Kwon. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Stonybrook United Methodist Church Endowment Fund or the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. Arrangements have been entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST FUNERAL HOME.