John Paul Dillow

John Paul Dillow, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, July 12, 2024. He was 81.

Born Nov. 25, 1942 in Telephone, Tex., John grew up the third of five children born to Francis Lloyd and Pauline Medinia Dillow. He spent his childhood hunting and fishing, activities that instilled in him an abiding love of nature and the Texas countryside that remained with him for the duration of his adult life. A born rancher, John spent much of his free time at the family ranch in Telephone even after moving first to Commerce, Tex., in pursuit of bachelor’s and master’s degrees at East Texas State University and later to Arlington, Tex., where he lived for the rest of his life.

In Arlington, John met Denise Ann Ward, who would become his devoted wife of 49 years and with whom he would raise three children. He also landed a job in quality assurance at a small Fort Worth manufacturer of aviation components that would turn into a fulfilling 47-year pursuit for John, feeding his passions for problem solving, project management, and mentorship. He retired as president and chairman of the board of Applied Avionics Inc. in 2015. Those who worked most closely with John during those five decades remember him not only as a steadfast colleague and friend, but as a teacher who instilled a sense of unwavering integrity and a strong work ethic in those he mentored.

John and Denise found a loving church family at Arlington’s First United Methodist Church, where John became an active member of the church community and forged many of his strongest friendships. He derived great happiness from the relationships he established with others. His happiest days were spent at the ranch with family and friends. But his best days were spent helping those same friends and family members through a rough time or to see the way forward when the path was unclear. By both his example and his words, John made those around him into better people.

He is survived by his wife Denise Ann Dillow; his son Jesse Paul Dillow (Emily) and grandchildren Cal and Shep; his son Clay Ward Dillow (Rachel Despeaux); his daughter Katie Medina Cooper (Douglas) and grandchildren Daisy and John (“Jack”); three sisters, Frances Gail Staggers, Betty June Newhouse, and Ruth Ann Hurst; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a sprawling network of friends and colleagues whom he cherished.

Visitation: Thursday, July 18, 5-7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Arlington, TX, (313 N Center St.)

Funeral Service: Saturday, July 20, 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Arlington, TX, (313 N Center St.)

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Salvation Army of Arlington/Mansfield or The Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas.