Earl Dene Dilling

Earl Dene Dilling passed away quietly In Tacoma, Washington on Wednesday August 29, 2018.  He was 87 years old.  Born on April 7, 1931 in Erick, Oklahoma to Clarence and Sadie Dilling, Earl struck out on his own and enlisted in the United States Army in 1949 at 18.  He was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington where he eventually met and married a local woman named Edna L. Miller.  He proudly served his country and completed tours of duty in both Korea and Vietnam before retiring in 1971.  Earl successfully owned and operated a variety of businesses.  Some of his ventures after his retirement from the Army included restaurants, real estate, and an upholstery shop.  To those who knew him he was a jack-of-all-trades.  Earl loved spending time outdoors with his family to enjoy the special qualities he found in each of the people he loved.  Earl was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Coreen McClain, sisters Virginia Dilling and Sammie Hendrickson, as well as his brothers Ernest Dilling and Rodney Dilling.  He leaves behind his loving wife of 68 years, Edna Dilling; their children Noreen Meddaugh (Dan), Sandy McNeil (Mike), Jannene Wilson (Kevin), and Zebb Dilling (Joni); his brother Royce of Russellville, Arkansas; aunt Ruby of Greenwood, Arkansas; many nieces and nephews; nine grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.  In honor of his wishes there will not be any services held.  Instead he will be celebrated by family with a private gathering.  The family would like to thank the staff at Franciscan Hospice House in University Place, Washington for the gentle, compassionate, and respectful care they provided at such a difficult time.  Memorial donations can be made to CHI Franciscan Hospice House 2901 Bridgeport Way West University Place, Washington 98466.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Earl Dene Dilling, please visit our floral store.