Larry Martin Dillon

Larry Martin Dillon, age 78, of Battle Creek, Michigan, joined his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Family and friends were at his side when he bid farewell to his life on earth.

Larry was born on August 15,1944, to Burt and Mabel (Barber) Dillon in Battle Creek, Michigan. Larry graduated from Springfield High School in 1962, Kellogg Community College in 1964, received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1967 and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership in 1976 from Western Michigan University.

He married the love of his life, Mary Joan (Snyder) Dillon on November 19th, 1976. They shared almost 30 years of marriage until Joan's passing on September 26th, 2006.

Larry taught sixth grade for 23 years in the Lakeview School District until being appointed principal of Westlake Elementary School. He was a member of the Lakeview, Michigan, and National Education Associations. He served as an officer in many of those organizations. He served as president of the WMU Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa Honorary Education Fraternity. He was named an outstanding educator in 1989 and 1994.

Larry was chairman of the Westlake-Prairieview Neighborhood Planning Council for many years. He was active in the Democratic Party for many years.

Larry was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church where he was a former member of the Vestry, senior warden, altar guild, choir, ushers, acolytes, lay-readers, and pastoral care committee. He also attended the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection where he was also a Sunday School teacher, and senior warden. He frequently attended First Christian Church.

He was very active in numerous Masonic organizations. He was a past master of Bedford Lodge No. 207, F&AM, Bedford Chapter RAM, Bedford Council R&SM, Battle Creek Commandery KT, Marcellus Council AMD, Bedford Chapter OES, and Furniture City High Twelve Club. He is a past commander-in-chief of DeWitt Clinton Consistory, AASR and received the 33rd Degree from the Scottish Rite.

In his youth, he was very active in the Order of DeMolay. He served as Battle Creek, District and Michigan State Master Councilors. Later he served as State Chapter Advisor and Executive Officer of Michigan. He received numerous awards.

Larry was also very active in the LGBTQI movement, serving as a founder, board member and past president of Battle Creek Pride and on the board of Calhoun County Equality. He mentored many young men and women and was an advocate for human rights.

Larry is preceded in death by his wife Mary Joan Dillon; parents Burt and Mabel Dillon; brothers Richard D. Eggleston, Sr., Roderick H. Dillon, Sr. and a sister Geraldine Dillon Pratt. He is survived by many cousins, several nephews and nieces, and many great and great-great nephews and nieces. He was particularly close to nephew Ryan Eggleston, sister-in-law Merri Berry and cousin Dorothy Sharpe.

A Requiem Eucharist Funeral will take place 12:00 noon Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 2589 Capital Avenue S.W„ Battle Creek, Michigan. A fellowship luncheon at the church will be held immediately following the service. Internment of the Ashes will be held later at the Garth of St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Church of the Resurrection or the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation, 1200 Wright Avenue. Alma, Ml 48801. The family is being served by Farley Estes Dowdle Cremation Preneed Care. Personal messages or remembrances of Larry may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.