Robert “Bob” F. Dillahay of Uniontown, Missouri, went to his heavenly home on December 24, 2025.
He was born on December 22, 1946, to Frank and Margaret (Smith) Dillahay in St. Louis, Missouri, and was baptized in Berkeley, Missouri.
On August 11, 1973, Bob married the love of his life, Kathleen (Frentzel) Dillahay, at Grace Lutheran Church in Uniontown, Missouri. They were blessed with 52 years of marriage.
Bob was the kindest, most caring husband anyone could imagine. He happily chauffeured Kathy on treasure-hunting trips, patiently endured her shenanigans, helped with cooking, and never wanted to be a bother to anyone. He truly enjoyed meeting new people and sharing stories, especially during their trips to Gulf Shores, where he made friends everywhere he went. Together, Bob and Kathy built a life rooted in family, faith, friendship, laughter, and hard work.
Bob and Kathy were blessed with three sons: Todd (Nikki), Kent (Terina), and Eric, who was called to his heavenly home in 1994. You would never meet a daddy who loved his sons more than Bob did. He spent countless hours fixing up cars with the boys, shaking his head when something got torn up, and proudly teaching them his mechanical skills. He supported his family in every way, from watching The Dukes of Hazzard with a tray of bologna to share while Kathy pursued her education, to buying shoes for the boys that cost more than the Scout he drove. A part of Bob’s heart left this world with the loss of his “little bear,” Eric.
Bob was the proudest “Pawpaw” to his two granddaughters, Mackenzie and Brielle Dillahay, who were the absolute joy of his life. His grand girls were his everything, and they would drop anything to help their Papa, just as he took every opportunity to spoil them. In 2004, Bob’s tough exterior melted away with the birth of his first “Bambino,” Mackenzie. Though he looked like a biker, becoming Pawpaw revealed the soft, devoted grandfather he was meant to be. Mackenzie could get a “yes” from him with just a smile, and many of her after-school hours were spent with Grandpa at the mechanic shop, always ending the week with an allowance for doing absolutely nothing. In 2014, his second “Bambino,” Brielle, was born, and they became instant best friends. Bob spoiled her rotten, sharing creative projects, painting, giggling, and sneaking snacks together.
Bob was a proud Vietnam Army veteran who served his country honorably until being wounded in combat. He received the Purple Heart for his service and was a member of VFW Post 4282, the American Legion Post, AMVETS Post #94 and Military Order of Purple Heart Chapter where he was Junior Vice President Commander. Bob also served on the VFW Post #4282 Funeral Military Honors Team for many years.
A lifelong car and motorcycle enthusiast, Bob appreciated both beauty and junk, often seeing potential where others did not. If something was broken, Bob could fix it. As an original owner of Vintage Automotive, he built a respected and reputable shop known for his mechanical skill, honesty, and dependability. The shop was also a popular gathering place for friends, filled with conversation and lifelong camaraderie. He proudly passed his mechanical knowledge down to his sons Todd and Kent, who were never shy about asking for his advice.
Bob was a member of the Hiway Rodders Car Club in Perryville and hosted some of the club’s early meetings in his basement “man cave,” where lifelong friendships were formed. His 1948 Chevy was his pride and joy-so much so that he even took Kathy and the ’48 to a car show in Tulsa on their honeymoon. When he could no longer drive the Chevy, his new love became his Harley trike, on which he and Kathy enjoyed many poker runs together. Later, his adventures continued in his 1963 Thunderbird Convertible, loading up his wheelchair and heading out with a smile.
Bob also loved hunting with many different friends and spending time outdoors. In 2015, Bob became an amputee, but it never slowed him down. He continued to show up for all of his granddaughters’ special moments and events. While his adventures with Kathy changed, they never stopped. Motorcycle rides were replaced with weekends camping in their motorhome, visiting friends and family, taste-testing moonshine, or cruising to car shows-always together, always making memories.
Bob will be remembered for his generous heart, steady hands, unwavering love for his family, and the quiet way he showed up for the people he loved. His legacy lives on in his family, his friends, and every engine that still runs because of him.
Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville and will continue from 8:00 am to 10:00 am Monday, December 29, 2025 at Grace Lutheran Church in Uniontown.
Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am Monday, December 29, 2025 at Grace Lutheran Church in Uniontown with Rev. Ted Andrada officiating.
Burial will be at Grace Lutheran Cemetery in Uniontown.
Military honors will be provided by VFW Post #4282 and the Delta Team.
Memorial contributions may be given to Perry County Veterans Museum, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Options for Women.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com.
Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.