Steven J. Dillon, Sr., 76, of Topeka, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 25, 2024 surrounded by his family at the Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.
He was born September 16, 1947 in Topeka, the son of Clifford “Doc” and Helen Woodard Dillon. He graduated from Seaman High School in 1965 and was drafted into the U.S. Army right after high school. He served with the 577th Engineer Battalion in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart. Steve was a member of American Legion Post 400 in Topeka.
After returning from Vietnam, he married Darlene Michaelis. They had two children together and were later divorced. He married the love of his life, Joyce Alexander, in 1981, and they had one child together.
Steve was a carpenter with Union 1445 in Topeka. He loved to work with wood and spend time with his family, and in the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and instilled these loves in his children and grandchildren. He had a smile that was absolutely contagious. Steve was loved by so many people and his legacy will live on forever.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Clifford, and a brother, Dan Dillon.
Survivors include his loving wife Joyce, of forty-three years, his children, Steven Dillon, Jr. (Kim), Staci Mattwaoshshe, and Charlie Dillon, all of Topeka, five grandchildren, A.J., Kylie (Nathan), Hunter, Tegan and Robin, three great grandchildren, a brother, Bill, Topeka, a sister, Janice Black, Omaha, NE, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 31st at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hoyt. Burial with military honors will follow in the Prairie Home Cemetery. Steve will lie in state after 9:00 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, where visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Tunnel to Towers, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 280, Hoyt, KS 66440.
