Herschel Wilson Dillard, longtime resident, previous owner of Dillard’s grocery and a former Postmaster of Galeton, Colorado, passed away at Life Care Center in Greeley on April 1, 2016 at the age of 96. Herschel was born on a farm two miles south of Galeton to Samuel F. (Dick) and Mary E.(Jones) Dillard, on February 15, 1920. He was the eldest of six children – a brother, Bob, infant twin brothers who died at birth, a brother, Swede, and a sister, Jeanette. He grew up in the Galeton area during the depression era. Herschel graduated from Galeton High School in 1938. In January 1939 at almost 19 yrs., he bought a grocery store in Kersey making his home there. On August 13, 1941 he married Marjorie Jean Groves of Eaton.

Herschel was inducted into the U.S. Army in October 1942 as a tank gunner earning a rank of sergeant. During his WW II service, he was awarded a Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 2 Bronze Service Stars and an Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with a Bronze Star Medal for heroism on Luzon Island. He returned from the service in the fall of 1945, reuniting with Jean and their two young daughters living with Jean’s parents on their farm near Eaton. He tried farming, but eventually moved to Galeton and purchased his Dad’s grocery store in 1950. He and Jean settled there and had six more children. The family operated the store until Herschel sold it in 1995. Herschel was appointed Postmaster after his mother’s service and he held that post until age 78. For over two generations, Dillard’s store was a community anchor providing groceries, sundries, and camaraderie to patrons and folks, who stopped by to shop, do postal business or just visit.

Herschel didn’t have a lot of time for hobbies, but he was a prairie lover and relished the open space while hunting for rocks and arrowheads on family ranch land. He cherished Colorado and its natural beauty and would say, “It’s a privilege to live in Colorado”. On holidays when the store and post office were closed, you could find him driving through the mountains with his family.

With an eye for detail, an affinity for language, and a sense of humor, Herschel was a great storyteller. He had a keen mind and could recite lengthy scripture and poems, and remember significant dates. He could add a stack of checks in his head, and his bookkeeping skills were meticulous. He could converse in Spanish and had beautiful cursive handwriting. His natural gift for music was a treat to listen to in years past when he would play the piano, organ, harmonica, or violin by ear.

As patriarch, he was proud of having eight children with his wife, Jean, to whom he was married to for 67 years. He is survived by his children, Marilyn Clausen and husband Dallas of Springfield, Oregon, Joyce Nix and husband Gerald of Jefferson, Colorado, Harley Dillard of Red Oak, Iowa, Elaine Dillard of Ft. Collins, Jim Dillard and wife DeAn of Galeton, Sherry Shay of Loveland, Joanie Schulz and husband Paul of Ft. Collins and Dolly O’Leary and husband Dan of Galeton. He often said he would have had even more kids if he hadn’t gone off to war. He adored and enjoyed his grandchildren, Hans, Eric and Jon Clausen, Jenny, Melissa and Sarah Nix, Christy, Jeanie, Daniel and Josh Dillard, Brad and Jaime Carter, Kirsten and Kyle Dillard, Patrick and Laura Shay, Joel Schulz and Nick and Zach O’Leary and 16 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Mary Dillard, his wife Jean, his siblings and a grandson, John Mark Clausen. When needed, Herschel looked after Jean’s family farm and ranch business which carry on and are held in the family today.

Herschel remained living in Galeton with family assistance after his “Dear Jeanie” passed away in 2008, until his health required long-term care. While at Life Care Center, he welcomed several new great grandchildren, appreciated visitors and celebrations, and looked forward to outings to the family’s farms and mountain drives while still able. Life Care Center caregivers were very fond of him and entertained by his unique character that sustained him throughout his life.

Herschel was a Christian, a member of the First Baptist Church in Eaton and he loved the Lord. He was conservative, hardworking, tough and an enduring man who flourished in a small town. He was devoted and steadfast in providing for his large family knowing the Lord was by his side. He gave much to his country, family and community. He was loved and admired and will be greatly missed.

A funeral service to celebrate Herschel’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 8, 2016 at the Evangelical Free Church of Eaton, 1311 3rd Street in Eaton. Interment will be in the Eaton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Moser Funeral Service Chapel, 3501 S. 11th Avenue in Evans and from 9:00 a.m. until time of service on Friday at the church.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Eaton First Baptist Church in care of Moser Funeral Service, 3501 S. 11th Avenue, Evans, Colorado 80620.