John H. Dillon

John H. Dillon, 83, of Salem, passed away Wednesday, August 24, 2011. He was born in Roanoke, a son of the late Alfred V. Dillon and Ethel Alcorn Dillon, was raised in Boones Mill, and had been an area resident all of his life. A US Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, he was employed for over 34 years at Rowe Furniture prior to retiring. He enjoyed western movies, comedies, people watching, snapping beans and spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, John H. Dillon, Jr., a brother, Earl R. Dillon and a sister, Estelle LaSota. He is survived by his loving wife, Maxine Ginther Dillon; five daughters, Darlene Rickman and her husband Chuck; Connie Mally; Bonnie Hudson and her husband Robert; June Goddard and her companion Greg Sanders; Debbie Fuhrman and her husband Ed; four brothers, Jerry Dillon and his wife Lorraine; Donald Dillon and his wife Louise; Jack Dillon and his wife Cordelia; Bobby Dillon and his wife Sarah; two sisters, Jean Brooks and her husband Hubert; Patricia Hartman and her husband Clarence; 13 grandchildren, over 30 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. The family would like to take this opportunity to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to the entire VA Support System and the staff of Good Samaritan Hospice, especially Kathy, Mary, Sandy and Melissa for the care and love shown during Johns illness. A graveside service will be held at 1PM, Saturday, August 27, 2011 at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Chaplain Marvin Barbre will officiate. Military Honors will be afforded by members of the Virginia Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8PM Friday at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.