Art D Dilling

Arthur Dean Dilling, 79, of Payne, Ohio passed away Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Art was born in Paulding, Ohio on September 16, 1946, a son of the late Helen (Baumert) and Delbert Dilling.

He came from a modest home, which taught him to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. He taught himself to play the guitar and was most comfortable resting with his fishing pole in the water. Art proudly served in the U.S. Air Force as a sergeant in the Vietnam War and then worked in accounting. Besides being a "mighty" fisherman, he loved going to Orange Beach, Alabama and riding his motorcycle every chance he had. He will be missed by his lifelong friends at the Payne American Legion, where he once served as commander. Art will be fondly remembered by his family that listened to the short stories that he wrote for holidays and never forgotten for the humorous phrases "You mean to tell me" and "I am beautimous".

Art will be sadly missed by his sons, Paul (Penny) Dilling, Chris (Bev) Dilling and Mark (Jennifer) Dilling; grandchildren, Markus, Christopher, Hannah, Kelsey, Kayla, Kyle, David, Crystal and Misty; eight great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his step father, Paul McNeal; sister, Sandra Patterson; daughter-in-law, Carmen and great grandson, Daniel.

Visitation will be held 1 PM to 3 PM on Saturday, January 24th at Dooley Funeral Home, 5761 SR 500, Payne.

Military honors will be held at 3 PM on Saturday, January 24th at Dooley Funeral Home, Payne.

He will be laid to rest privately in Lehman Cemetery, Payne.

Memorials are to Payne American Legion Post 297, 220 N Main St, Payne, Ohio 45880 or Alive Hospice Residence, 1629 Williams Drive, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129.

Fond memories may be shared at dooleyfuneralhome.com