Melvin (Mel) Dillman, age 65, passed away on November 18th after suffering from a series of health issues. Melvin David Dillman was born on March 6, 1950 in Hannibal, Missouri. He was the son of Donald Ray and Marion (Ward) Dillman.

With Mel’s passing, all of his friends and acquaintances have lost a wonderful man, a philanthropist, a supporter of young people primarily through his support for the CASA organization, and a person who could bring a smile to anyone’s face with his quick wit and humor.

Mel’s life wasn’t all fun and games though. Mel served his country well and was a Veteran of the United States Army. In a letter he wrote recently, Mel stated that “for as long as I can recall, I wanted to be a soldier. I wanted to join the Army and fight for my Country”. And fight he did. In August of 1968, his desire became reality as he began the first of two tours of duty in Vietnam serving with the U.S. Army’s 73rd Aviation Company.

As Mel completed his second tour of duty in Vietnam, he became a 21 year old soldier five days before leaving Vietnam. According to Mel, that meant that he could now legally vote and drink alcohol. That was something he got “a head start on anyway”, especially after his unit endured one of the worst rocket and mortar attacks 48 hours prior to his 21st birthday. Mel returned to the United States to begin his civilian life on March 11, 1971.

Mel was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and served on several committees. Mel was also a member of the Quincy Exchange Club. He served as the club’s President in 1991-92 and was the recipient of the prestigious Exchangite of the Year Award in 1991. He was also a recipient of the Exchange Club’s John Tripp Distinguished Service Award in 2013. He served the Exchange Club remarkably having chaired numerous activities over his 29 year membership including Gus Macker and Smoke on the River. He was always the first to volunteer to chair the Hospitality Bar of the Exchange Club’s Lincolnland State Conventions.

Mel was also the first President and founding member of the Quincy Regional Crime Stoppers in 1997 and was a board member for years with that organization. He was also a former member of the Riverside Township Board of Directors. Mel was a member of the American Institution of Certified Public Accountants since 1980. To put Mel and his personality with an organization that has the words “Institution” and “Certified” somehow seemed to fit.

He was a huge fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and loved all the major sports. His knowledge of sports, history, and music trivia was incredible.

Upon leaving the U.S Army, Mel worked for Calcium Carbonate while attending college from 1971 to 1976. Mel became a partner in the Gray, Hunter, Stenn accounting firm in 1976 and then opened his own accounting firm of Dillman & Associates in 1999 developing his business to well over 700 clients.

Mel married the former Linda Sue Roland on June 24, 1972 in Lake Hannibal, Missouri.

He is survived by his wife, Linda of Quincy, two daughters Kelly Fannin and her husband, Mike of Springfield, Illinois, Kris Webster and her husband, Patrick of Pleasant Hill, Illinois and four grandchildren Delaney, Brennan, Andrew and David, Mel’s father, Donald Ray Dillman of Decatur, Illinois, three brothers, Steven Ray Dillman of Springfield, Missouri, Michael Dillman of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Donald (Donnie) Dillman of Savannah, Missouri. Also surviving is his Goddaughter: Jessica Goughnour Case.
Mel was preceded in death by his mother, Marion.

His family meant everything to him. He was a proud husband, father and grandfather and humorist. If you didn’t know Mel, this recent quote of Mel’s will say it all “In lieu of flowers, don’t vote for Hilary”.

Mel will be missed by all and his wit will always be remembered by his family and close friends, which is just about everybody. Heaven just got a comedian.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. in Christ Lutheran Church. The Duker and Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors Project.