Elmer B. Dillard

Elmer Dillard, 92, of Buffalo Gap, TX, passed away on April 14, 2014 in Abilene, TX. Memorial service will be held 2:00 pm, Friday, April 18, 2014 at First Baptist Church, Buffalo Gap, TX, with Rev. Felicia Hopkins of St. Paul United Methodist Church officiating, assisted by Rev. Chuck Gililland. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 pm Thursday, April 17, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Elmer Dillard was born on February 15, 1922 to Dovie Lester and William Pink Dillard in Wheeler County, Texas, and grew up in Tahoka, Texas. In his youth, he traveled with a skating rink. He had grace and a great ability to skate on his homemade in-line skates. He joined the Air Force and was stationed at the Midland Air Field, Midland, Texas and was in aviation mechanics. Elmer married Silva Ficke on February 7, 1942. They had two sons: Robert (Bob) and William (Bill) Dillard. Later in life, Elmer and Doris Rogers were married on June 27, 1987. Together they became parents/grandparents/great-grandparents to a large extended family. Elmer was the patriarch of this blended family. Elmer was a member of the Midland Oil Scouts and PBLA. He was employed by Sinclair Oil and Gas as a scout and later promoted to land man. He was a right-of-way agent for El Paso Natural Gas. He then worked for Wilderspin, Whitworth and House, as a land man, and as an independent land man for Amaco. Elmer was successful in his career because of his personality in business dealings and as a result made many lifelong friends. He was one of the Greatest Generation and embodiment of patriotism, family values and love of God. Elmer was preceded in death by his wife, Silva; his parents; son Robert (Bob) Dillard; sister, Vivian Gross; brothers, Chester Dillard and Bruce Dillard; and one step-daughter, Danita Walker. Elmer is survived by his wife Doris; his son William (Bill) Dillard and wife Carolla of Grapevine, TX; daughter-in-law Vickie Jo Dillard of Midland, TX; step-sons, Danny Rogers of Lockhart, TX, and David Rogers of Aspermont, TX. Grandchildren: Todd Dillard and wife Keila of Lubbock, TX; Traci Dillard of Lubbock, TX, Amber Walker and husband Jeremy of Grapevine, TX, Amy Caffey and husband Michael of Rockwall, TX. Step-grandchildren: Dana Powell and husband Daniel of Midland, TX; Michael Rogers of Carrollton, TX, Amanda Rogers of Buffalo Gap, TX, and Blake Rogers of Lockhart, TX, and sister-in-law Jean Smith of Boyd, TX, as well as seven great-grandchildren, also many nieces and nephews and his lifelong friend Buddy Fort of Lubbock, TX. Elmer was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Abilene, TX and the Profiteer Sunday School class. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory Street, Abilene, TX 79601, or Homer Fort Fellowship Class Silva Dillard Nursing Scholarship, FUMC, 300 North Main Street. Midland, TX 79701.