Larry D. Dillender, Sr., 78, of Kewanee, passed away Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Arcadia Care Kewanee. He was born June 16, 1947, the son of LeRoy and Eleanor (Gilette) Dillender, in Louisiana, Missouri. He graduated from High School in Redwood City, California with the class of 1965. He married Sara Andrews on September 21, 1974, in her mother’s backyard garden in Geneseo; she preceded him in death on May 15, 2026.

Larry is survived by children, Larry (Angie) Dillender, Jr., Kewanee, and April McNaught, Kewanee; grandchildren, Travis (Abby), Treavor, Maddie, Lexi, and Austin; one great granddaughter, Novah; sister, Shirley Nicoletti, Prescott Valley, Arizona; brother, William Dillender; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sara; two brothers, James and Marvin Dillender; and one grandson, Alec Dillender.

Larry worked as maintenance at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Geneseo for many years. He worked as and took pride in being a police officer in Toulon and Stark County. He enjoyed doing yardwork and mowing; he plowed everybody’s driveways and sidewalks during the winter. He loved spending his time fishing with his grandkids. Larry enjoyed watching John Wayne movies and other Western films. He loved most of all spending time with his family.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 – 12:00 pm, on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Golnick Family Funeral & Cremation Services in Kewanee. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 12:00 pm, at the funeral home. Pastor Stephen McGough will officiate. Burial will take place in Pleasant View Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be established. Please leave an online condolence for Larry’s family at www.golnickhaskellfh.com.