Dean G. Dillery

Dean George Dillery, aged 94, of Battle Creek, and formerly Albion, Michigan, passed away on May 24, 2023. He was born on November 18, 1928 in Fremont Ohio, to Fred Dillery and Frieda (Gerlinger) Dillery and was an only child. He is survived by his sons Daniel (Barbara) Dillery of Melbourne, Florida, Kirk (Robin) Dillery of Battle Creek, daughter-in-law Sue (Scott) of Campbellsville, Kentucky, daughter Leslie Shaw of Detroit, nine granddaughters, and many great grandchildren.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marty, and his son Scott. Dean was an avid reader from a young age, stating he often brought home two full length books from the library, reading them in one sitting, and taking them back to the library the next day. That love of reading continued until he couldn't read anymore, into his nineties. In 1946 Dean became an Eagle Scout and graduated from Fostoria High School in Fostoria, Ohio. He married Martha (Marty) Jean Adams on July 27, 1951 in Columbus, Ohio. Dean graduated from The Ohio State University with a BS in 1952, a MS in 1955, and a PhD in Ornithology in 1961. While still finishing work for his Ph.D. at Ohio State, Dean and family spent a year in Sunbury, Ohio, where he taught at nearby Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. He was then hired in 1960 to teach biology at Albion College in Albion, Michigan. Dean taught biology at Albion College for 33 years and lived in Albion for over 50 years.

Dean also conducted research and published scientific papers on the biology of various creatures, including Savannah Sparrows, spiders, aphids, and sand crabs. During the summers, Dean usually traveled with his family to other parts of the country. The family lived in California, Wyoming, North Carolina, and other places while he taught or did research. The family always had a great time on these trips. He was an avid bird watcher from his earliest days and enjoyed camping. Dean loved teaching and his students. There were frequently students and former students stopping by the house and he and Marty hosted several foreign exchange students to live with them while they studied in America. Dean also took up painting and wood working as artistic hobbies, leaving behind many works. Dean and his wife Marty were active members of First United Presbyterian Church while they lived in Albion.

His beloved wife Marty died April 24, 2020 in the middle of COVID restrictions, and had no memorial. A combined celebration of life for both Dean and Marty Dillery will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Albion College Science Complex Atrium (Norris Hall at the corner of Michigan Ave. and Hannah Streets), Albion, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Albion College or the National Audubon Society. Arrangements by Richard A. Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Services. www.henryfuneralhome.org