George Arthur Dillon, 57, of Hartford, South Dakota passed away October 19, 2023, with his loving wife by his side.
George was born May 30, 1966, to Charles and Shirley (Long) Dillon in Manhattan, KS and grew up in Ogden, KS. He attended Luckey High School and graduated from Manhattan High School in 1984 - he participated in football as well as track and field. He went to work for Dillon Painting which he owned and operated with family after attending Kansas State University.
He then semi-retired, moving to South Dakota in 2020, which was a dream for George, becoming the best stay-at-home dog-dad and personal chef! This move allowed him to focus on his hobbies and the beauty of the mountains and Black Hills though, the town of Ogden, KS held a special place in George’s heart as he was always looking to improve and advocate for his community. This included long drives around town keeping a watchful eye and checking in with all the townspeople – many times in the company of his dear friend and confidante, Marcy Gieber. He was a mentor to many, always helping others.
George was the life of the party, a great host and didn’t know a stranger. He was known for his amazing BBQ sauce, jerky and the smoked meats that he made and gifted to family and friends. Many joked that he needed to add a catering company to this list of businesses he owned! George and Rosio enjoyed attending street dances with live music whenever they were able.
You could see George drinking a good ole’ Busch Light and he had a special sweet tooth for all things chocolate. He appreciated a good steak or prime rib and was always ready to attend any fish fry, and you could find him road hunting wild asparagus to share with others in the late spring.
George was quite adventurous and never hesitated to go off the beaten path. George and Rosio loved to travel across the world, try new things and admire the beauty of nature! On their trip to Iceland, George was able to fly first class for the first time, staying awake for 48 hours straight to enjoy the majestic beauty of area. In Alaska, they were seconds away from missing the boat as George was enjoying hanging out with the locals, one of his favorite things to do when traveling. He enjoyed salmon fishing and exploring the area on their Alaskan adventure as well.
He enjoyed his little slice of heaven at his cabin in Fedora, SD. He was part owner of Wild Bird Lodge where he spent his days hunting and fishing as well as helping to beautify the cabin for everyone's enjoyment. George wasn’t afraid to tackle a project, especially with friends at the cabin! He loved organizing fishing trips for those who would visit and was a gracious guide, always making sure that everyone had a great time. He treasured sharing this place with friends, and most importantly, with his nephew, Troy Ward. He looked forward to pheasant hunting each October and was a master angler often catching the largest walleye on his fishing trips with friends.
George was the most kindhearted, patient, and funny man that truly enjoyed every minute of life. He approached life with a vibrant passion, embracing his hobbies and experiences. George’s departure from this world leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him, but he has graduated to his biggest adventure ever!
He is survived by his wife, Rosio Duarte-Dillon, Hartford, SD; brother David Ward, Ogden, KS; sister Pam (Dillon) Gieber, Ogden, KS; nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles; many cousins as well as many close friends that he considered family.
Preceding him in death was his mother and father, Charles and Shirley (Long) Dillon as well as his sister Karen Kemnitz.
His spouse, Rosio, will greet friends and family during a visitation from 6:00 until 7:30p.m. Thursday November 9, 2023 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
A Vigil Service will follow the visitation a 7:30 p.m. Thursday November 9 at the funeral home.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at Nelson’s Family Farm in Olsburg, KS at 4:00 p.m. Friday November 10, 2023. We will celebrate George with his favorite foods, drinks and live music.
Memorial contributions in memory of George are suggested to the Second Century Habitat Fund, Inc. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.