Herbert F. Dillon

On Tuesday, April 25, 2023, Herbert Franklin Dillon, Jr. passed away at the age of 75 at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas.

Herbie was born on November 27, 1947 in Paoli, Indiana to Herbert Franklin Dillon Sr. and June Rose (King) Sutherland. He was a graduate of Paoli Community High School Class of 1965. In August 1969, Herb earned an Associate in Science from Vincennes University Junior College in Vincennes, Indiana. In May 1970, he earned a Bachelor of Science from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana. After working a couple years, Herb moved to Lubbock, Texas to attend Texas Tech University Graduate School, where he earned a Master of Education in August 1974. One of Herbie’s favorite pastimes was to collect sports memorabilia related to his alma maters. He was a lifelong Red Raider fan.

During his college years, he began officiating football and basketball. He “ran the floor” as a basketball official for many years, as well as trained and evaluated other officials. Education was very important to Herb and one of his greatest joys was that his four children all became college graduates. Over the years, Herb was a teacher, coach, administrator and mentor to many young men and women. He was also a wonderful friend who loved to tell stories about those who crossed his path throughout his life. He had an uncanny ability to remember the most detailed information and anyone who knew him would tell you he was a walking encyclopedia of all things sports.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, John Dillon, his brother-in-law, Gene Crecelius and his grandson, Jeffrey Isaac Dillon. Herb is survived by his four loving children, Jeffrey Dillon and wife, TiTinisha; Rita Gongora and husband, Christopher; Alison Dillon; and Whitney Dillon, as well as their mothers, Jeanne Killebrew and Alita Owens.  He is also survived by one grandchild, Amari Dillon; and three sisters, Joanna Crecelius, Jane Emily and Jennie Govero.

Herb’s children would like to extend their sincere appreciation to The Plaza at Lubbock Nursing Home and the medical staff at UMC Hospital in Lubbock for the care they provided their father during the last year of his life.

The family is planning a memorial service to be held in the summer months in Central Texas and asks that you complete this form to learn more information. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the JI Angels Foundation, in honor of Herb’s grandson.

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