Robert James Dils - 1919-2008
Robert James Dils, 88, of Ashland, Ky., died Monday in Kings Daughters Medical Center.
Mr. Dils was born Oct. 2, 1919, in Montgomery County, Ohio, the son of the late Laurence and Maudie Koogler Dils. He was a devoted husband and shared 60 years of marriage with his wife, Juanita G. Dils. He was a 1943 graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and received a masters degree from Marshall University. Mr. Dils, known by many as Professor Dils, was dedicated to the teaching profession. He began his teaching career at Paul G. Blazer High School and then went on to teach for 25 years in the Physical Science Department at Marshall University. After retirement, he taught part time for 10 additional years at Ohio University Southern Campus.
Mr. Dils was a decorated veteran of World War II and a POW, having served his country as a flight engineer and gunner in the European Theater of Operations (Italy). He was a member of an aircrew that flew 13 missions before his B-24 Liberator heavy bomber was shot down over Austria.
Mr. Dils was a long-standing member of First Baptist Church of Ashland, where he had previously served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, librarian and treasurer. He was very active in the Boy Scouts, serving for years as a Scout master for Troop 107. He was a recipient of the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge of Richmond, Ky.
He was beloved by his family, friends and students. He was an avid Marshall Thundering Herd fan and enjoyed camping and travel.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his four children, Susan Flagg of Dallas, Texas, Robert J. Dils II of Norwich, Conn., Norma Dils of Frankfort, Ky., and Jo Vockery of Ashland; his sister, Emma Houston of Kettering, Ohio; grandchildren Amy Mayne of Dallas, Robert Benjamin Vockery, Karly Vockery, Bailey Vockery of Ashland, and Kennedy Daley of Louisville, Ky.; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by grandchildren Michael Mayne and Meredith Flagg.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1 at First Baptist Church of Ashland officiated by the Rev. Ed Talley and Dr. Harold Moore. Burial will be in Rose Hill Burial Park, with military rites by Kenova American Legion Post 93.
Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 31 at Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel in Ashland.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Ashland Library, 1701 Winchester Ave., Ashland, KY 41101.
Condolences may be sent to www.steenfuneralhomes.com.
