Thomas Patrick "Tom" Dillon

Thomas Patrick Dillon, 80, passed away on March 30, 2026, in Bloomington, Indiana. Tom was born on June 14, 1945, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was the son of Gilbert and Catherine Dillon. Married in 1966, Tom was the devoted husband of Judith Staft Dillon for 59 years and father of Michael Dillon, Sharon (Danny) Landrum, and Craig (Linda) Dillon. He was proud grandfather of his grandchildren, Maxwell (Danielle), Matthew (Lee), Samuel (Alyssa), Ryann, August, and Esther; and a great-grandfather to Winona, Easton, and Rosaline. Tom is survived by his in-laws, Marian Dillon, Art and Carol Dornbusch, Joe and Jade Staft, Sandy Lahar, Karen Stephenson, Bo and Sue Staft, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Gil and his wife Joyce, brother, Jack; sister, Janet and her husband Bob Ramsey; father-in-law, Joe Staft Sr; brothers-in-law, Gary Lahar and Phil Stephenson; niece, Susan Sparks; and the best worst dog ever, Roxie. Tom graduated from Western Hills High School in 1963. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1965 – 1969 and was a member of the American Legion and the VFW. He earned his associate’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1978. In line with his never give up attitude, he achieved his bachelor’s degree in 1992 from Concordia College in Ann Arbor, MI at the age of 46. He was employed at General Motors in Hamilton, OH, Romulus, MI and Bedford, IN. In 2004, he retired after 34 years. He used his retirement educational bonus to train as a professional golf instructor and golf club maker. He and Judy also sought out many adventures in their RV including working and playing at Yellowstone National Park for 2 summers. While at Yellowstone, he won the park wide cornhole tournament and was the MVP of the lake area softball team. He beat the pants off those gasbags. Tom also enjoyed a life of service delivering meals on wheels, helping to maintain the building and grounds of the First Presbyterian Church, and working at the emergency overnight shelter. His favorite pastime was golf. He always enjoyed his time on the golf course; whether winning championships, playing 18 holes with his buddies (sometimes referred to as ‘victims’), or teaching his grandchildren. Tom also loved old cars, boating, traveling with his wife, and playing in the Bloomington Community Band. Tom made friends wherever he went, evidenced by the many friendships that endured throughout the years. In his final chapter of life, Tom brought that never give up attitude into his treatment for cancer. He simply never gave up. The family is grateful for the unwavering support shown by the Bloomington medical community, longtime friends, and extended family during that difficult time. Visitation will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Bloomington, IN from 12pm – 1pm on April 18, 2026, with a Service at 1pm at the Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Bloomington Community Kitchen, P.O. Box 3286, Bloomington, IN 47402, Bloomington Community Band, P.O. Box 237, Bloomington, IN 47402 or First Presbyterian Church, 221E 6th Street, Bloomington, IN 47408. Tom will be remembered for his witty humor, his stubborn spirit, his love for his family and friends, and of course, his golf swing.

Tributes

Thomas Patrick "Tom" Dillon

June 14, 1945 - March 30, 2026