HERRIN - George E. Dillow, 76, of Herrin and formerly of Union County, died Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007, in Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion.
He was born Feb. 4, 1931, in Jonesboro, the son of P. D. and Zona Dillow.
He married Nellie Wright on Nov. 29, 1953, in Anna.
George was a Korean War veteran; he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force one day after high school graduation.
He spent three months in basic training at Lackland Air Base in San Antonio, Texas, and nine months in Aircraft and Engine Mechanic School at Sheppard Air Force Base, in Wichita Falls, Texas.
He signed up for overseas deployment when the Korean War broke out.
He was deployed to Itazuke Air Base in Fukuoka, Japan on the island of Kyushu.
He spent 30 months at Itazuke, acquiring the rank of Airman First Class before returning to Scott Air Force Base where he received an honorable discharge on Dec. 3, 1952.
George was a proud American who served his country.
George served on the Jonesboro School Board and the Anna-Jonesboro High School Board.
He was a dairy farmer, carpenter, and retired as a rural letter carrier in 1989 after 32 years of service.
George was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.
He will be sadly missed by family and friends. George was a Christian and was of the Baptist faith.
He is survived by his wife, Nellie of Herrin; one daughter, Georgena Ottolini of Okawville; one brother, Leon Dillow of Murphysboro; two sisters, Genevieve Wiggs of Jonesboro and Deloris Landreth of Jonesboro; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Harold Dillow and one sister, Irene Dillow.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007, in the chapel of Hileman Funeral Home, with the Pastor Bryan McAlister officiating.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, 2007, at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Ebenezer Hall Cemetery.
Military Rites will be conducted at the graveside by Carroll P. Foster Post 3455 Anna VFW.
Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Published in The Southern Illinoisan on 8/27/2007.
Note: George graduate with the Anna-Jonesboro Community High School Class of 1949.