Harlan Dillon

Harlan Keith Dillon, 99, of Tremont, passed away Monday, December 15, 2025 at The Lodge at Manito, where he had been a resident since his beloved wife, Paloma Dillon, passed away in July 2021.  He died full of peace, in the arms of God’s grace.

Harlan was born November 29, 1926 in Green Valley Illinois to Leo & Florence (Hayes) Dillon of Green Valley. His mother died at a young age and Harlan was raised for many years by his grandparents on a farm on Antioch Road in Tremont.  He loved the farm life, watching the crops grow and tending to small farm animals.  He married, Paloma Lucero, on July 8, 1949 in Green Valley and they had a marriage full of love and adventure for 72 years.  She preceded him in death in July, 2021. 

Harlan is survived by his son and daughter, Damon Dillon and Florence Spyrow; 3 grandchildren, Drew Dillon, Graham Dillon and Laura Davidson;  and 4 great grandchildren, Elliot, MacKenzie, Oliver and Audrey.  He was preceded in death by one grandson, Andrew Spyrow, in February, 2022.  He is survived by his brother, Howard Dillon, in New York City.

Harlan attended Green Valley Grade School, Green Valley High School where he played basketball and graduated from Bradley University in 1950.  He entered the U.S. Navy and moved with his family from coast to coast.  He traveled the world until he joined the U.S. Forest Service to make a permanent home for his family.  He loved growing trees, hiking in the forest, and being in the outdoors.  Unfortunately, he was assigned to the U.S. Forest Service in San Francisco for his entire career with the Forest Service! 

Harlan retired in 1982 and returned to Tremont.  He had such fond memories of his time growing up on the farm that he always wanted to return to this farm and the Tremont community.   Along with friends and relatives, he built a log home next to the farm house where he was raised.  Harlan planted an abundance of trees on the property, some of which he outlived!  Harlan and Paloma made a loving home there for 40 years, until Paloma’s passing.  They were very active in the Tremont community and the Tremont Methodist Church.  Additionally, Harlan spent many years volunteering across the country with Nomads, assisted in building the Native American Church in East Peoria,  and was a volunteer for 50 years with the Heifer Project. 

His funeral will be at  2:00 pm Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Tremont United Methodist Church.  A visitation will be one hour before the service at the church.  Burial will be at Antioch Cemetery in Tremont, where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife.  Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is handling the arrangements.

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