Carol Dillon

With a journey that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Carol Dillion lived a life of purpose while holding her loved ones near. She was so easy going with a great sense of humor and a laugh that was contagious to those around her. Carol was deeply devoted to her family, and she was thrilled beyond measure to witness her family tree blossom to include her granddaughter and great-grandchildren. The sort of person who would do whatever she could for someone else, Carol will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to feel her touch.

The year 1945 is often remembered as the year when America and our allies celebrated the end of WWII with the dropping on the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. There was dancing in the streets when word spread, and the extreme joy was felt nationwide. It was just prior to this eventful day that Edward and Carrie (Zeran) Dillon were pleased to announce the birth of the baby girl they named Carol on July 16, 1945, in Plainwell, Michigan. She was the second of five children as she was joined in the Dillon family by her older sister, Carrie, and her younger siblings, Eddie, Peggy, and Edger. Carol’s father drove for a cheese factory while her mother worked at Parker Hannifin in the brass division. She was raised in the family home in the Otsego area, and she also attended both Otsego and Plainwell schools.

After high school Carol was eager for all that life had in store. She held several jobs in the area, and she also had two children who were adopted before 1970. In 1970 Carol was married to Steve Kemp. Although their marriage later ended in divorce, she was forever grateful for their son, David. A bit later on, Carol married Mark Haines, and together they were blessed with the birth of their son, Mark Ruben Haines Walker Jr. Her marriage later ended in divorce.

All who knew Carol would agree that she certainly made the ordinary extraordinary. She was an animal lover who spent several years living on a farm with a variety of animals. Carol was a good cook, although it wasn’t something she did all that often because she didn’t really enjoy it. She was an avid gardener who enjoyed weeding in her garden. Carol liked listening to country music, and she loved doing puzzles, knitting, and playing croquet. She traveled to Florida and Iowa, and it was about four years ago that she moved to Galesburg. As someone who was always willing to help others, Carol has been described as a good neighbor. Within her community, she was a lifetime member of the VFW.

As her family and friends can attest, Carol Dillon had such a special way about her. She was easygoing and someone who was content in whatever life brought. Carol helped others in any way she could no matter what - even if she was hurting at the time. She had a fantastic sense of humor and loved being surrounded by her family and friends. Hardworking and fun-loving, Carol was a true joy to be around. Deeply loved, she will be forever missed.

Carol Dillon, of Galesburg, passed away on July 22, 2017, in the comfort of her home. Caro’s family includes her son, David (Sheila) Kemp; Tiffany Stewart, who was like a daughter; sisters, Carrie Zeran and Peggy (Richard) Conklin; brother, Edgar (Pam) Dillon; granddaughter, Elizabeth Story; six step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren Arerian and Abel; as well as several nieces and nephews. Carol was preceded in death by her parents; son, Mark; and brother, Eddie. Please visit Carol’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online.