GREENWOOD
Steven Wayne Dillman, age 78, passed away on October 4, 2022 surrounded by family. He was born March 23, 1944, in Beech Grove to Marion “Buz” and Geneva Dillman. Steve graduated from Greenwood High School in 1962. He served his country in the United States Navy Reserve for two years. Steve began his career as a volunteer firefighter with the Greenwood Fire Department for four years before serving the City of Indianapolis as a firefighter for 38 years. He retired as a Lieutenant in 2005. He then returned to fire service for the City of Greenwood for an additional five years, ending his career where it began. Steve used his experience to proudly serve on the White River Township Fire Department District Board from 2015 until the time of his death. Over the last 15 years, Steve has mentored countless young adults working to become firefighters.
He earned the title of Man of the Year, Arson Division, 1978; Fireman of the Year, Fire-Police-Deputy Sheriff Recognition Award, 1982; nominated for the Red Cross Hall of Fame for an Act of Heroism, 1990; awarded the VFW Safety Award, 1990; the Medal of Bravery, 1991; nominated for Operations Officer of the Year, 2003; earned Firefighter of the Year, Fire-Police-Deputy Sheriff Recognition Award, 2003; and numerous Unit Commendations including, but not limited to, 2001, 2002, and 2004.
Steve volunteered in retirement with the Firefighters Credit Union Supervisory Committee, Firefighter Cancer Support Network, Franciscan St. Francis Health Cancer Center, Indianapolis Fire Department Retiree Club, and the Indianapolis Fire Fighters Museum Committee. To recognize these contributions, Steve was selected as a 2018 Golden Hoosier Award recipient, which is presented to an individual “whose personal life exemplifies outstanding service to the community and the State of Indiana.” This honor was presented at the State House by the Lt. Governor of Indiana.
Steve’s passion was drag racing and he was a lifetime member of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). He passed the love of this sport through multiple generations of his family. His wife often told him: “A firefighter is who you are, but drag racing is what you do.” Additionally, Steve was a member of Mt. Pleasant Christian Church and the Emerald Society.
He is survived by his devoted wife Terrie “Frosty” Dillman; children: Jeff Dillman, Christi Dillman, Brandon (Alison) Dillman, Ryan (Samantha) Dillman, and Lyndsay (Bill) Ward; siblings: Mike (Teri) Dillman, Patty (Brian) Hertenstein, Tom (Joyce) Dillman; sister-in-law: Denise Humphreys; and grandchildren: Chelsie Dillman, Tylor Dillman, Juston Dillman, Camron Dillman, Brody Oldham, Brooklyn Oldham, Emma Dillman, Jacob Dillman, Chase Dillman, Reese Dillman, and his Firefighter and Racing Families.
Steve is in preceded in death by his infant sister, Carol Ann Dillman; parents, Marion and Geneva Dillman; brother, Scott Dillman; infant grandson, Thomas Ward; and daughter-in-law, Trisha Dillman.
A visitation will be Sunday, October 9th from 3:00pm to 8:00pm at Mt. Pleasant Christian Church 381 North Bluff Road, Greenwood, IN 46142. A Celebration of Steve’s life will be Monday, October 10th at 11:00am. Steve will be laid to rest at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Greenwood, IN.
In honor of Steve, the family is requesting for all first responders and military personnel attending the funeral service on Monday to please wear their Class A/B or dress uniforms.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Indianapolis Fire Fighters Museum 748 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or the Little Red Door www.littlereddoor.org.
You are invited to read Steve’s obituary at www.stpierrefamilyfuneral.com where you may sign the guest book and leave a personal message for the family. Arrangements entrusted to Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service &Crematory, Greenwood Chapel.
