Jack K. Dillard

Jack Kelly Dillard, 69, died Saturday, December 16, 2017 in Austin. Born April 19, 1948, in Waco, Texas, Mr. Dillard grew up in Austin. He attended Highland Park Elementary, Lamar Junior High and graduated from McCallum High School in 1966. He received his BBA and his JD from Baylor University.

After graduation from Baylor Law School in 1973, Jack first worked for the Texas Secretary of State's Office, then in the Governmental Affairs Division of Tenneco in Houston, Texas. In 1989, he began work for Altria Client Services (formerly Phillip Morris) as District Director of State Governmental Affairs. He initially worked in Overland Park, Kansas, but transferred to Austin in 1991, where he remained until he retired.

From an early age, Jack loved politics, the governmental process and history. He was an avid reader and was always up to date on current affairs. Jack, a former debater, was also an excellent and persuasive public speaker. He had a keen mind and a virtually unfailing memory. For example, he could recite every Texas governor and U.S. President in order and provide an interesting story about each one. He was a studied observer of legislation and elections and had a highly accurate ability to predict their outcomes. Since his jobs at both Tenneco and Altria involved legislation and politics, he was one of the rare lucky individuals whose work focused on his favorite interests.

When you think of Jack Dillard, you think of his love for Baylor University. He was a long time football and basketball season ticket holder and member of the Baylor Bear Foundation. In 1988, he was proud to serve as the President of the Baylor Alumni Association. He received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 1988, and the W. R. White Meritorious Service Award in1997. More recently, when the Baylor Alumni Association became the Baylor Line Foundation, Jack served on its Board of Directors. His support of Baylor and its traditions were a major part of his life.

Jack was also very involved in DeMolay and Freemasonry. As a young man, Jack was a member of Stephen F. Austin Chapter of the Order of DeMolay. He served as Master Councilor and later served as the State Master Councilor of Texas DeMolay. As an adult, "Dad Dillard" served as District Governor and as an advisor to Reagan Chapter and Houston Priory. Jack's DeMolay honors included the Degree of Chevalier, Cross of Honor, and the Legion of Honor. Jack also served as the State Grand Commander of Texas Chevaliers.

While attending college, Jack received the three degrees of Freemasonry from Baylor Lodge No. 1235 in Waco, Texas. When he moved to Houston, he affiliated with Jacques DeMolay Lodge No. 1390 where he served as Worshipful Master from 1983 to 1984. He was a member of the York Rite Bodies, as well as the Shrine and the Grotto.

Jack was a member of both the Houston and Austin Valleys of the Scottish Rite, and was invested as Knight Commander of the Court of Honour in 1983. In 2005, Jack received the Scottish Rite's honorary Thirty-third Degree for his outstanding service to Masonry and the community. One of Jack's passions was serving on the Board of Directors and financially supporting the Houston Scottish Rite Learning Center for Children.

Jack grew up at Highland Park Baptist Church. He watched the workers build the church while riding his bicycle to and from elementary school, and was the first in the family to attend Highland Park. It is the church where he was baptized and the church where all important Dillard Family events have taken place. He was a member of the congregation throughout his life and supported it with his prayers and resources.

Jack was a leader in many professional, charitable and political organizations. Of all his endeavors, Jack was particularly proud of being a co-founder of the Texas Lyceum, the state's preeminent, non-profit, non-partisan leadership organization. Jack served as a member of the Texas Lyceum's Advisory Council at the time of his death. Jack Dillard was a true Texas gentleman.

A benevolent man, Jack gave to numerous charities, as well as, family and friends, and will be remembered for his generosity and kindness. Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Jack H. Dillard and Dorothy Kelly Dillard, both long time Austin residents. He is survived by his siblings, D. Diane Dillard (and her husband Judge Andrew S. Hanen), and Donald S. Dillard (and his wife Rebecca Patterson Dillard), his niece Kelly E. Hanen and nephews Philip C. Prasek (and his wife Kayla Hart Prasek, and their sons Silas and Declan), and Derek W. Dillard, as well as a large extended family and many dear friends.

On December 20, 2017, Jack's family laid him to rest, alongside his parents, at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco, Texas. A memorial service celebrating Jack's life will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 11:00 am at Highland Park Baptist Church. (5206 Balcones Drive, Austin, TX 78731)

Those wishing to make a memorial gift are encouraged to consider giving to Highland Park Baptist Church, the Baylor Line Foundation (P.O. Box 2089, Waco, TX 76703), the Texas Lyceum (texaslyceum.org) or the American Diabetes Association (P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215).