Theodore Earl Dillow

Theodore (Ted) Earl Dillow, 91, of Chanute, Kansas, was born on May 8, 1933, in Bentonville, Arkansas, to John and Maude (Pruett) Dillow. Ted passed away peacefully and went to his heavenly home on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Heritage Health Care in Chanute, Kansas. He is survived by his devoted wife, Loretta, of 39 years.

 Ted worked for Kansas Department of Transportation as a Heavy Equipment Operator until his retirement. During his lifetime he held various positions including working at Fairfield and Toronto Honor Camp. Ted served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957 deploying in support of Operation Gyroscope to Babenhausen, Germany, building friendships and experiences that lasted a lifetime. His service encouraged his children and other family members to serve as well. The Chanute Honor Guard will present Military Honors. 

 Ted enjoyed life to the fullest through his hobbies and interests. He especially found delight in woodworking, fishing, and traveling, especially when spending that time with family and friends. Ted's ability to never meet a stranger showed his passion for knowing and caring about those around him. Being a Christian was a pillar of his life, guiding his values and sharing inspiration and hope to those around him. He was a member of Parkview Holiness Church in Chanute, Kansas.

 His loving children will carry on Ted’s legacy: Shirley (Ross) Smith of Quartzsite, Arizona; Earlene (Matt) Lewis of Savonburg, Kansas; Jeannene (Lonnie) Randall, of Concho, Arizona; John (Brenda) Dillow and Jacob Dillow of Chanute, Kansas; and Justin Dillow of Kansas City, Missouri. He was blessed with a "slew of" grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren whom he cherished deeply.

 He is preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Jennifer Dillow, and sons, Paul and Tim Dillow, and nine siblings: Nellie McMillan, Hazel Nelson, Olive Anderson, Forest Dillow, Rae Dillow, Leo Dillow, Calvin Dillow, Lewis Dillow, and Jack Dillow.

 Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during a visitation on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM both will be held at Wickham Family Funeral Home 500 North Forest Ave. in Chanute, Kansas. Burial will follow the service at Buffalo Cemetery, Buffalo, KS. 

Memorial Donations are suggested to Parkview Holiness Church and can be mailed to or left with the funeral home. 

 Services are under the guidance of Wickham Family Funeral Home 500 North Forest Ave. Chanute, Kansas.