Kifton K. Dillow

Kifton K. Dillow

Kifton K. Dillow, died on March 21, 2018, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau, one day after his 94th birthday.

A native of Union County, “Kif” was born on the first day of spring, at home near Mill Creek, the son of Van and Ella Dillow. He grew up with his brothers and sisters on the family farm and worked the fields with mules and horses.

He attended a one room schoolhouse in Mill Creek before graduating from Anna-Jonesboro Community High School. In 1948, he graduated from Southern Illinois University with two degrees.

He grew up loving and playing the game of baseball. He was a lifelong fan of the Cardinals and the author of “The Way It Was, Growing Up in the Mill Creek Area.”

He served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps late in World War II and in the Korean War. He served in the 2nd Division Motor Transport Battalion and survived a plane crash in the South Pacific in 1945. “Red, you better wake up, we’re going down!” He was honorably discharged in July 1952.

His working career included 29 years as a claims specialist for Country Companies Insurance in Central Illinois.

He is survived by two children, Mike (Beverly) Dillow of Jackson, Mo., and Lisa (John) Blum of Bellingham, Wash.; one granddaughter, Chelsea (Will) Cook of Seattle, Wash.; one great-grandson, Winston Cook of Seattle, Wash. He was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine, two sisters and two brothers.

His last few years were enriched by the staff of the Missouri Veterans Home.

According to his wishes, he will be cremated. Private graveside services will take place at St. John’s Cemetery near Dongola, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife.

Crain Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Anna-Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements.

To leave online condolences for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

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