Samuel Edward Dillon

Samuel Edward Dillon, 79, of Hiawatha, Iowa, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the Oldorf Hospice House. Per his wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Lowe Park in the Hickory Room (4500 N. 10th Street, Marion, Iowa 52302). 

He was born March 2, 1947, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Samuel K. and Grace M (Siebert) Dillon. As a Fox Chapel High School student, he helped a teacher with a project by maintaining his equipment. At the 1964 annual science fair, he and a fellow student took first prize for their project, a console-size Telecode, used to aid radio amateurs.

He attended Valparaiso University, majoring in Business Administration. During this time, he met his future bride JoAnn (Jo) Burlingame, and after graduation, was married on August 8th, 1970, celebrating many happy, adventurous years together until his passing. Furthering his education, he obtained an electronics engineering degree from Valparaiso Technical Institute. During that time, he took first place in the 1974 Institute of Electrical Engineers competition at Valparaiso University for his project, a "Solid State Integrated Circuit Telephone Dialer".

After graduation, he worked for Rockwell Collins Cedar Rapids in various areas before moving to Norand Corporation. He later re-joined Rockwell until a 2002 layoff, worked briefly for Westinghouse Air Brake, and was hired by Iowa Radio Supply for outside sales, until retiring in 2012. He and his wife were blessed with two wonderful children, son Shawn (Brie) and daughter Michelle.

Sam's favorite hobby was studying all things railroads, briefly working for Wabtec Corporation doing railroad design. His love of railroading began when he was young and led to taking numerous rail trips as well as creating various model railroad layouts. While living in Marion, he put together and maintained a full-size working railroad signal in the backyard. He was also a key member of the Marion Depot Pride committee, helping save the bricks and paperwork from the former Milwaukee Road Depot and construct the Depot Park pavilion. He was also involved with the Mount Pleasant Old Thresher Reunion, serving as a trolley conductor and maintaining the signal system.

He was very involved as a citizen of Marion, helping during Swamp Fox festivals in the parade and as a re-enactor at Oak Shade Cemetery. Other involvement included service on First Presbyterian Church's Building and Grounds committee, volunteering with the Marion Heritage Society, maintaining the railroad signal at first the Depot Park and then Draper Park.

Other interests included book reading, especially history, travel, and (when younger) square dancing. He was an active volunteer, with a regular route for Meals on Wheels, driving for Aging Services, helping escort visitors at Mercy Medical Center, and cleaning and repairing medical equipment at Unity Point Health/St Luke's Medical Loan Closet. His love of electronics led to volunteering with REACT, a Rockwell Collins project where volunteers would refurbish computers for use by school systems. He, along with the other volunteers, were honored in 2015 at the 32nd Governor's awards ceremony.

Samuel is survived by his loving bride; son, Shawn (Brie); and daughter, Michelle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; various aunts and uncles; and several beloved basset hounds.

Family requests no cards or flowers, but donations to a favorite charity or to Mercy Medical Center.