David Allen Dillon

He was born in Mansfield, Ohio to Juanita (Mickey) and Francis (Ted) Dillon on February 20, 1946, as the eldest of seven children with three older half-siblings.

Dave loved to laugh and was a master of puns. At gatherings, he could be found greeting everyone, telling stories, and turning the music up louder.

He was rightfully proud of graduating West Tech High School, Cleveland, Ohio as valedictorian of his class of over 500. Following two years at Ohio State University, he joined the Army during the Vietnam conflict because of his heart to serve his country. When he announced his ambition to be a doctor, could he please be a medic, he was told, “No problem, sign here.”

After basic combat medic training of 10 weeks, he was invited to do another 40 weeks of medical training since he had the aptitude and desire.

Next stop, Vietnam. Whenever his combat medic experience was mentioned, he invariably commented, “I’m grateful I was saving lives, not taking them. But I would have used my M16 if I needed to!” Because of his additional training, he helped set up MASH units (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) and received wounded.

When he was wounded by shrapnel, he was awarded the Purple Heart. He felt it was undeserved because he’d seen and treated much more severe wounds.

He was prouder of his Bronze Star, awarded for outstanding meritorious service during his time in Vietnam, July 1967 – July 1968.

One of his favorite stories occurred during his last duty station at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital where he was an orderly. There he met Karen Marshall, and they got married 10 days later at the justice of the peace with a blind witness (her wounded cousin).

They moved to her hometown, Colorado Springs, and lived with her mother as they raised their children, Kevin, and Kimberly. He talked fondly about having a live-in grandmother.

Dave was active in his church choir, taught children’s Sunday School classes, sang in a traveling gospel group called Victory Voices, as well as several civic and business organizations like National Association of Purchasing Managers (NAPM).

Dave had a varied work life, from opening the first Target store in Colorado Springs, to managing a menswear section in a department store, managing an electronics store, with several years at a non-profit. During the early years, he completed his associate degree. He lost his Karen to cancer in 1999.

After being alone for four years, he and Rebecca met at a ballroom dance class. They married in 2004 and Dave gained additional family, her daughter and son. Soon afterward, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The cancer didn’t slow him down, although he was treated for 19 years.

After retiring, Dave volunteered at a local DAV (Disabled American Veterans) chapter, Knob Hill Chapter 26. He was elected Commander for two years and deeply cared for his fellow veterans. In September 2023 he was blessed to go to Washington, D.C. with Honor Flight #17 with Rebecca as his guardian.

What did Dave love more than music and laughing? His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his “collective” children, grandchildren, and great-grandsons. He leaves a beautiful legacy of a gentle, generous heart, and deep kindness.

Dave is survived by wife Rebecca McAbee Dillon, children: Kevin Dillon (Christy), Kimberly George (Michael), Jessica McAbee Ozalp (Alperen), and Jeremy McAbee (Allyson), five siblings and many nieces and nephews. His first wife, Karen Maurine, predeceased him in 1999.

Together Rebecca and Dave share six wonderful grandchildren: Bryce, Patrick (Dani), Gabriella (Troy), Jaevin, Violet, and Ainsley; and two adorable great grandsons, Shepherd, and James.

A Celebration of David’s Life Service, Friday, February 16, 2024 at 10AM at Springs Community Church, 7290 Lexington Drive, Colorado Springs, CO, 80918.

Committal ceremony will be, Friday, February 16, 2024 at 2PM at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home and Cemetery, 3825 Airport Road, Colorado Springs, CO, 80910

To watch via livestream:

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TrF-uSNs2k__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!NEZzBa8iecuiyLYrbiL3vPjhMqvHxjSBtA-hCIESGIb3yluT4pG49E4RwrtB8dW_O4PSK2deDhm7MKQiyz2S2w$

In lieu of flowers you are invited to donate to Honor Flight of Southern Colorado (a Veterans organization): https://www.honorflightsoco.net/, Springs Community Church: https://springsco.church/, or Compassion International, https://www.compassion.com/.

The family of David wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Matthew Logsdon and Rocky Mountain Cancer Center, his oncologist for 19 years. Also, to Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care who kindly helped care for him during his final days.