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In Loving Memory

Eric Joseph Dillinger

Born
Parsons, KS
Died
7 June 2003, St Paul, KS

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Notes and messages

So many times that I laid awake last night thinking about. Little blond curls to his adult handsomeness, so many images appear. Eric and I had a greeting that we always said when we saw each other. One of us would call the other ugly, the 2nd would say uglier and the 1st would say ugliest. I am so glad to have had a cousin with such a big heart and a fun-loving guy. Eric went out of his way to help me at times and I will always remember that. I will miss him terribly.

Tracy Gilmore, 8 June 2003

Here Eric.... This is for u bro....

Rest In Peace...

http://www.angelfire.com/hero/inlovingmemoryoferic/index.html

Josh Smith, 8 June 2003

There are no words to describe how I feel for the loss of our good friend Eric. Eric was just such a great guy, and the one thing I will always remember about him is his boyish grin. I know every time I saw Eric, whether it be on campus or just around, he would send that grin my way.....and it always made me smile. You'll always be in my thoughts and prayers, Eric. Love you!

Katie Schoenhofer, 9 June 2003

Words can not express the way Eric will be miss! He touched the lives of more people than he ever imagined. I know there was never a time,in Eric's presence,that he didnt make me smile. From Jr. High dances to High school graduation and then to college, Eric inlightened all the experiences. Eric, you were a one of a kind! Keep on riding Cowboy!I love you!!

Lindsay Gates, 9 June 2003

Eric... what can we say... two words, GREAT GUY! He will be dearly missed by many people. I just hope that everyone realizes how much he loved everyone and how he loved to make people happy. Just keep him in our hearts and in our memories and we can help his life be lived through our lives! Everyone be careful and safe always!
Love ya Tiger!!!!

and sorry about the typing error with the pic i added

Lindsey Kliesen, 11 June 2003

I really met Eric when he was 15. What an attitude. What a smile! What an outlook on life!
Eric was great from his smile to his cocky walk, I never tired of his version of " life according to Eric". I can't wait to see him strut around the corner with that big shit eating grin. God speed Eric,keep swinging that rope.

m, 11 June 2003

I do not pretend to know you really well Eric, but I know the impact you have had on your classmates. I have seen them light up as they speak of you and cry as their hearts break at losing you. My heart bleeds for your family as they mourn you and my heart smiles when I think of the pleasures you have brought them. You will always be remembered by us and your family will have a special spot in our prayers.

Joe & Bev Kliesen, 11 June 2003

I'm blessed that I was able to get to know Eric when he lived with Dan. I honestly can't remember one bad thought I ever had about Eric. Not ONE. To me that says a lot about what kind of a person he was. Even though this has been really hard for everyone that knew Eric, I thank God that I had the opportunity to get to know him well enough to be this saddened by his absence. What a blessing to have known you, Eric. I look forward to seeing your little smirk again someday..

Erica, 11 June 2003

There are no words to describe the way that we are feeling right now. Eric was a great guy and a wonderful friend. He would've done anything for anybody with no questions asked. If you were feeling sad he'd always give ya that grin of his, give ya a hug and tell ya everything would get better. Eric, just want you to know you'll always be in my heart forever. Love you always.

Lydia Dye, 11 June 2003

Eric, I miss you so much. I have so many memories about you. Like telling people that I knew your butt better than anyone else in SEK. Then explaining to them that I was the QB and you were the Center on the football team. When I think about why I felt so close to you. And I thought that when you sweat, bleed and cry with someone for three years that you develop a bond that cannot be broken. I just want you to know that I will miss you until we meet again. So Eric, this is my goodbye to you.

Cody Vitt, 11 June 2003

Eric, the roping pen will never be the same without you in it. It is going to be hard to sit and not see you out there with that grin making everyone laugh. We are all better having been blessed by knowing you. Keep making those good horses and running all the steers you want. I know that your going hard left and stirring for your dallies.
Thanks for all the great memories and God Bless.

Kendra, 12 June 2003

I always remember Eric as one of "my little brother's friends", but he was so much more. He was always so polite and well mannered, but at the same time knew just what to do to make people laugh. I especially loved watching him play football, not only because of the way he could stick a tackle, but because of his love and passion for the game. It was so much fun to watch someone who played with such heart and always gave 110%.

Megan McMahan, sister of classmate, Derek Sears, 12 June 2003

Eric, i will always remember how u would xome along and cheer me up when i was sad and how you would always take my gator seat, i know you were watchin over Wade last night(6-14) when he won that ropin, you will remain in my heart for ever. God Bless Ypu Eric

Kasey, 15 June 2003

Eric, your personality, smile, and love for life will always be missed. Thanks for such a wonderful time and memories we shared on your last night. I'll cherish those moments forever. Just remember, "my heart is sinking like the setting sun, setting on the things I wished I'd done. It's time to say goodbye to yesterday. This is where the cowboy rides away!" Until we meet agian at your big rodeo in the sky...Love ya! Cassie

17 June 2003

Eric, your personality, smile, and love for life will always be missed. Thanks for such a wonderful time and memories we shared on your last night. I'll cherish those moments forever. Just remember, "my heart is sinking like the setting sun, setting on the things I wished I'd done. It's time to say goodbye to yesterday. This is where the cowboy rides away!" Until we meet agian at your big rodeo in the sky...Love ya!

Cassie, 17 June 2003

The few times I was around Eric were pretty much all the same. A lot of laughs and A LOT of BS. Being around Heath, Eric, Doug and Wade made going with my dad to any roping worth it. There is never a dull moment. My dad said Eric always asked him to rope and he will always remember that about him. Eric loved roping, it didn't matter with who or where he was, just as long as he filled up all of his spots and then some. The arena will seem a little smaller without you.

Kelly Stephens, 22 June 2003

This morning when I wakened
And saw the sun above,
I softly said, "Good morning, Lord,
Bless everyone I love."
And right away I thought of you
And said a loving prayer,
That He would bless you specially,
And keep you free from care.
I thought of all the happiness
A day could hold in store,
I wished it all for you because
No one deserves it more.

24 June 2003

Eric, anything you wanted to do you were bound and determine that you were going to do it. Whether it was making Wade mad or if it was putting a smile on someone face, you would always find a way to get it done. We have a lot of memories and they will be cherished in my heart forever and the greatest memory will be telling stories of past times on your last night with us. Your smile will be remembered forever. You’re in my heart forever and always. Friends Forever, Until we meet again farewell.

Alaina, 28 June 2003

I know you were smiling on the roping in your honor, even you had to be amazed by the love and support from the people who knew you. Were you holding Dara's hand when she caught the steer? You are loved and missed.

3 July 2003

After hearing about Eric's death, only one thing felt right... that was to sit down and read a Cowboy's Prayer. As I sat there I couldn't help but cry. I knew that I would miss Eric every day but the weekends would be the hardest. I never knew when he would call or what he would say but I always knew another calf had been roped. Eric your entry fees have been paid. I love you ~ break the horses for me... we'll ride when I see you in Heaven.

Melissa DeGeer, 6 July 2003

Eric.. for all the times you told me to "cowboy up" I thank you. You were an inspiration to everyone you touched. Whether it was teaching us how to swing a rope in shop class or showing off at the county fair you brought joy into everyone's life. Thank you and I promise you.. not a day goes by where you aren't missed. Cowboy Up Dillinger, there is work to be done.

Mouse, 6 July 2003

Everybody knows what a great guy Eric, a.k.a "Dilli" was. Like all have said he always made you smile! Eric I want you to know I will never forget you and the great times we had! All the way from candy necklaces to Top Gun songs and sunglasses! You will be missed. I'm so sorry I was not able to be at the memorial, however I know you would have understood! I love you so much, please watch over me in Arizona! This is my farewell to you, until we meet again! Show some angels how roppin' is done!

Jena Geier, 15 July 2003

Eric, after 3 long months not a day has passed without something reminding me of you. You are dearly missed and I know you know it. I love ya tiger!

Lindsey, 7 September 2003

Eric, here it is Nov 29th.It seems like it has been years since we have been graced by your smile and laughter yet it hasn't even been a year.Though I haven't asked for proof I feel certain that you have made it to heaven.Not a day goes by that you are not thought of and it alway brings a smile to my face.For those great memories I thank you.I know you will have me a good one broke when we meet again.

Kendra, 29 November 2003

Its been almost 10 months since you've lefted us too early. I still miss you as much as I did the day of your funeral. I just hope the Heaven is treating you well. I also hope that you aren't causing too much trouble up there! I will never forget you. Love ya man!!

Cody Vitt, 31 March 2004

If Tears Could Build A Stairway

If tears could build a stairway
And memories were a lane
I would walk right up to heaven and bring you home again
Our hearts still ache in sadness
And many tears still flow
What it meant to lose you
No one can ever know
Since you'll never be forgotten
We pledge to you today
A hallowed place within our hearts
Is where you'll always stay

your lil sis, 24 April 2004

Hey buddie how are things up there in Heaven? It's been nearly a year (2 wks from today.) I got married in Feb ... hope you were able to be there. You were missed, as always. I'd hoped that by this time I would have found peace with the situation. However, I'd have to say that I am more bothered by it than ever. Just promise me that you will continue to watch over all of our class mates. Thank you for all the laughs. You are deeply missed!

Melissa (DeGeer) Myers, 24 May 2004

A year ago tomorrow we laid you to rest, I cannot believe how fast the time has gone and how the pain of missing you has not yet gone away. I miss you dearly Eric and I hope you are seeing all the changes going on in all of your friends lives, weddings, babies, and graduations from college! We continue to let you live though us. Love ya Tiger and Miss You dearly!

Lindsey Kliesen, 9 June 2004

Eric- It's been 3 years and 7 mo since you pasted. Your precence is still with me on a daily basis. I really need an angel right now and I know you'd do a fine job. How's about asking God if you could be mine. So much is changing and my heart is heavy. I miss you cowboy -

13 January 2007

Eric, my name is Shae Seaton. We never got the honor of meeting face to face, but I feel like I've known you forever. I work with your dad, and he talks about you all the time. He talks about how you use to brake horses, and how good of a football player you were. I know your family misses you very much, but they also know you are in a better place. And to the family, I love you all, and you will all be in my prayers.

25 May 2008