Elbert Dillard

Elbert N. Dillard (Herrin) Elbert N. Dillard, 89, went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, in Austin, Texas. A native and long-time resident of Herrin, he had been living in Round Rock, Texas since September 2009 to be closer to family. Elbert was born in Herrin on January 31, 1922, to James J. Dillard and Beulah (Linn) Dillard. He married Carolyn Lile in Jackson, Tennessee on October 17, 1954. They shared more than 51 years of marriage until her death on September 2, 2006. They had two sons, James and John. Elbert served in the United States Army Air Corps from 1942 until 1945 in New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, the southern Philippines, Luzon, and Okinawa. Upon his return to Herrin, Elbert established Dillard Realty and worked in real estate sales, appraisals, and rentals for over 50 years. Elbert was a gentle and caring husband, father, grandfather and businessman. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Herrin for over 70 years, having served as an elder and trustee, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. Survivors include son and daughter-in-law James E. Dillard and Tsu-Jan Dillard of Columbia, Maryland; son John R. Dillard of Round Rock, Texas; four grandchildren, Cynthia Dillard of Seattle, Washington; Jonathan Dillard of Columbia, Maryland; Josh English of Thornton, Colorado; and Carrie Dillard of Round Rock, Texas; sister-in-law Frances Melton of Henderson, Tennessee; brothers-in-law Jim Lile of Jackson, Tennessee and Harold Lile of Durham, North Carolina; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be Monday, January 30th from 5-7 p.m. at Van Natta Funeral Home in Herrin. Funeral services will be at First Presbyterian Church in Herrin, Tuesday, January 31st at 10:00 a.m. with graveside services following in Herrin City Cemetery with military rites preformed by American Legion Post and VFW Post both of Herrin. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 421 N. 14th Street, Herrin, Illinois, 62 948.