Emmett Homer Dillon of St. James., son of the late Everett and Josie Dillon was born April 22, 1917 at Safe, Missouri in Maries County and departed this life January 13, 2011 at the age of 93, at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Floyd, Vernon, Arthur, and an infant brother, and a 3 year old son Bruce Emmett Dillon.

Surviving are his wife, Beda Dillon of St. James and 4 children: Stanley Dillon of St. James, Debra Bullock and husband Gary of St. James, Carold Flaim and husband Tony of St. James, and Janet Nicholson of Fredrick, Maryland. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren: David Dillon, Fred Bullock, Anne Crousore, Abby Schwalji, Mary Flaim, Lucia Flaim, Silvio Flaim,Andrew Tisckos, Jessi Tisckos and Jamie Nicholson. Emmett had six great Grandchildren.

Emmett graduated from St. James High School and taught at Star School two years. He was inducted into the US Army April 6, 1942, getting 6 weeks of basic training in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He served in the 7th Army AirCorp in the Central Pacific. He was discharged October 19, 1945 the end of World War II.

Emmett was married to Beda Honse on March 30, 1946 and to this union five children were born. He was a great force in getting the new Baptist Church built in St. James. He taught a Boys Town Sunday School class for many years. He was a member of the St. James Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, past president of the St. James Chamber of Commerce, Past President of St. James Lions Club and Past President of St. James Rural Fire Department. He was "Mr. Trout" of Meramec Trout Association, and a member of St James School Board. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion of St. James. He owned and operated the Dillon Clay Minning, having bought it from his brother, Floyd Dillon.

If there was a cause Emmett was there to help whether it be church, St. James or the Community. He helped make apple butter for a fundraiser for the old grade school rehabilitation. Then made for apple butter for the garden club. He enjoyed pheasant hunting, fishing, and had a love of the outdoors.

Emmett spend the last eight and one half years of his life at the Missouri Veterans Home. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Services
Emmett Dillon will lie in state from 5-8 PM Sunday January 16, 2011 at the Jones Funeral home in St. James.

Funeral Service will be conducted 11:00 am Monday January 17, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in St. James, with Jerry Bauman, officiating. Pallbearers will be David Dillon, Fred Bullock, Silvio Flaim, Josiah Crousore, Kevin Swaljie and Andrew Tisckos. Burial with full military honors will be at the family plot at the Dillon Cemetery near St. James.

On-Line condolences are at www.jonesfunerals.com

All arrrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James.