Obituary of Raymond E. Dillman

Raymond E. Dillman, 87, of Niles passed away on September 8, 2014 at Lakeland Hospital in Niles. He was born to the late Herman and Ina Bell (Hiner) Dillman on May 23, 1927 in Niles, Michigan. Raymond married his sweetheart, Frances May Newman on September 5, 1948 and recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. After working for over 29 years at Indiana Carton, Raymond retired but was still very active in the community. He served as a deacon for many years at Northway Church of Christ in South Bend. The couple attended Fairland Christian Church in Niles, where he was a faithful member, for over 20 years. Raymond also was involved at the Berrien County Cancer Services with their support groups and also the Niles Senior Center. Those who knew Raymond could attest that while he found great joy in his volunteer work, there was a special sparkle in his eyes when he spent any time with his grandchildren. He was a very giving and selfless man who maintained his faith without regard to being on the mountain top or the in the valley. Preceding Raymond are his parents, a brother Verlin Dillman and a sister Norma Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Frances Dillman, his daughter, Kathleen (Todd) Smith of Coloma, two grandchildren, Gregory (Sarah) Smith of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Sara (Kevin) Trapp of Stevensville, and one great-granddaughter Lila Trapp. Services for Raymond will be Friday, September 12, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Fairland Christian Church, 1811 River Bluff Street in Niles, with visitation one hour prior. An interment will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens. Those wishing to make memorial donation in memory of Raymond may do so to the Fairland Christian Church Building Fund.