Kifton Dillow

Kifton K. Dillow passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau, one day after his 94th birthday.

A native of Union County, Illinois, "Kif" was born on the first day of spring at his home near Mill Creek, Illinois, to Van and Ella Dillow. He grew up with his brothers and sisters on the family farm and worked the fields with mules and horses. He attended a one-room schoolhouse in Mill Creek before graduating from Anna-Jonesboro (Illinois) High School. In 1948, he graduated from Southern Illinois University with two degrees.

Kifton grew up loving and playing the game of baseball. He was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the author of "The Way It Was, Growing Up in the Mill Creek Area."

Kifton honored his country by serving as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps late in World War II and in the Korean War. He served in the 2nd Division Motor Transport Battalion and survived a plane crash in the South Pacific in 1945. "Red, you better wake up, we're going down!" He was honorably discharged in July 1952.

His working career included 29 years as a claims specialist for Country Cos. Insurance in central Illinois.

He is survived by two children, Mike (Beverly) Dillow of Jackson and Lisa (John) Blum of Bellingham, Washington; a granddaughter, Chelsea (Will) Cook of Seattle; and a great-grandson, Winston Cook of Seattle.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine; two sisters and two brothers.

Kifton's last few years were enriched by the staff of the Missouri Veterans Home. A special blessing and thank you goes to staff members for their compassionate care, kindness and patience.

According to his wishes, he will be cremated. A private graveside service will take place at St. John's Cemetery near Dongola, Illinois, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife.

Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Anna-Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements.

To leave online condolences for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.