Gene Dilleshaw

Gene Dilleshaw made his final trip home on July 4, 2024. He was born in Butler, Oklahoma in 1936 to Charles and Myrtle Dilleshaw, and was lovingly raised by his aunt and uncle, Vasti and William A. Garner. Gene lived a remarkable life filled with love, laughter, and devotion.

Gene graduated from Granite High School and later attended the University of Oklahoma to further his education. In addition to his academic pursuits, Gene served his country with honor as a member of the United States Army Active Reserves. He was a devout believer in the grace and mercy of God and was a longtime member of the Boyd Church of Christ.

Gene's professional life revolved around the railroad with both the Rock Island and BNSF. Outside of his professional life, Gene had a wide range of hobbies and interests that brought him joy. He found peace in nature through gardening, camping and fishing, found solace in the melodies of country music, expressed himself through playing the guitar and singing, stayed current on professional and college sports, and expanded his horizons through reading. But nothing compared to the love he felt for his family, as the roles of father and "Papa Eldon" were ones he held dear.

Gene's legacy extends beyond his personal accomplishments to the relationships he cultivated with family and friends. He was a devoted husband of 62 years to Johnnie Lee Hogue Dilleshaw. He is also reunited with his aunt and uncle, William and Vasti Garner as well as his cherished brother and brother-in-law, Charles Dilleshaw and Ed DeMoss.

He is survived by daughters Susan Green and Stacy Pacholick (Rick), grandchildren Mallory O'Brien (Adam), Presley Schmidt (Ryan), Trevor Green; great-grandchildren Quinn, Asher, and Leighton O'Brien; sister LaVonna DeMoss; nieces Jamie Hinds (Joe), Donelle Dishman (Hill), Julie Turner, and Gail Hethcock; and nephew Beau Dilleshaw.