Gene Dillow

Lester Eugene (Gene) Dillow Jr. passed away February 9, 2025, at home on his birthday at the age of 83. He had been recently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.

Gene was born in Clinton, IL the son of Lester and Dorothy (Jackson) Dillow.

He earned a certificate in Architectural Technology from Lain Institute in Evansville, IN and a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois.

Gene worked at John Deere company in Moline, IL and then spent 36 years at BLDD Architects. He became a principal at the firm in 1974 and served as president from 2000 until he retired in 2007. Gene was proud to be involved with many architectural projects and helped expand the firm into Champaign, Bloomington, and Chicago. One of his last projects before retirement was at the Alumni Center at the University of Illinois.

Gene is survived by his wife of 31 years: Michelle; son Jeff Dillow (Mandi) of Decatur; granddaughters: Alexa and Rylie; daughter: Brooklyn Bacon (Jackson) of Portland, OR; and his older sister: Llewellyn Sears (Joe Murray) of Clinton, IL; former wife: Sharon Dillow and lots of extended family and friends that he considered to be family.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and son: Robbie.

Gene enjoyed golfing at the Country Club of Decatur and watching Illini basketball. His voice could be heard across the assembly hall saying “more arch” after missed free throws. He was always ready for good conversations that usually involved some humor and words of wisdom.

The family will gather to receive friends for visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Calvert & Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt. Zion. A memorial service will follow at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in Gene’s memory to the Mt. Zion Christian Church or Youth Dynamics Oregon (360) 757-1337 or Arts at the Decatur Park District. Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at Calvertmemorial.com.