Leora Dillon Obituary

Leora (Calton) Dillon, age 78, of Sedalia, Missouri passed away on July 1, 2025, at Bothwell Hospital.
She was born in a 3-room log cabin in rural Versailles, Missouri, the daughter and the first of twelve children born to John Edward Calton, Jr., and Laura Nell Alice (Hess) Calton.
Leora attended school at Smiley Country School and Morgan County R-1 School both in Stover, Missouri.
Leora worked for 30 years at Ralston Purina Turkey Plant in California, Missouri. During this time, she met Golder Wesley Dillon. They were later married at the Moniteau County Courthouse in June of 1981.
Leora loved Elvis Presley and cried for days after his death in 1977. She collected all of his albums, movies, cards, and even had scarves she got from some of his concerts. Leora often took trips to Memphis, Tennessee to see him perform in concert and to tour Graceland.
Leora was very generous with her time and money. She would buy Christmas presents for all her younger brothers and sisters. She would spend many months a year staying with her mom to help where she could.
She loved watching movies, collecting music, and reading many distinct kinds of books. She was great at movie and music trivia; she knew many personal stories of singers, actors, and actresses. Leora enjoyed playing cards and putting together puzzles with family members.
Leora is survived by two sons, John W. Dillon, and James A. Dillon, both of the home. She is also survived by 9 of her 11 brothers and sisters: Ella Mae and Jamie Oyler of Lee's Summit, MO, Kathy and Larry Beckner of Wellington, MO, Kay and Bill Reithbaum of Harrisburg, AR, Daniel Calton of Braymer, MO, Darrel and Kay Calton of Versailles, MO, Dennis Calton of Bates City, MO, Denzil Calton and Whitney of Oak Grove, MO, Robin and Mitch Pottorff of Ionia, MO, and Mike and Stephanie Calton of Clarksburg, MO and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Golder W. Dillon, her dad and mom, John and Laura Calton, her two brothers, Randy and Kerry Calton and two nephews, Timothy Calton and Lamar Beckner.
A Quote from Elvis Presley in 1977, at the end of a concert during his last tour: "Til we meet again may God bless you. Adios"
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 8th, at the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor James Calton officiating. Graveside services and interment will follow in the Versailles Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home to assist the family with expenses.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.