Dr. David R. Dillehay, Sr., 79, passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2016
in Marshall, Texas after a long battle with cancer. He was born
September 21, 1936, in Shreveport, LA although his parents lived in
Marshall at the time. His parents were Thomas J. Dillehay, Jr. and
Rachel Todd Dillehay.
He married Mary Elizabeth (Marilyn) Heath in November, 1957.
They moved to Marshall in September of 1958 where he began
working for Thiokol Corporation at the Longhorn Army
Ammunition Plant. Their son, David Rogers Dillehay, Jr. was born
in October of that year and a daughter, Janet Dillehay Palmer, was
born in November of 1959.
Dr. Dillehay completed grade school and high school in Houston,
Texas and attended Rice Institute (now Rice University) graduating
with a degree in chemistry in June, 1958.
During his time at Rice, he was a member of the Rice Fencing Team
that won the Southwest Conference Fencing Championship in 1955.
He served as captain of the fencing team in 1956-57 and 1957-58.
He taught fencing at ETBU as an Adjunct Professor. He enjoyed
astronomy and wood working.
Dr. Dillehay worked for Thiokol for 38+ years with the final title of
Chief Scientist. His work included rocket propellants, explosives
and military pyrotechnics. He was a founding member of the
International Pyrotechnics Society and served as Secretary,
Vice-President and President.
He served as Treasurer of IPSUSA Seminars, Inc. from 1980 to
present.
He published over 50 technical papers and held 12 patents in his
field.
In 1983, he received a PhD in Chemistry from Clayton University
with a widely acclaimed thesis.
Born: September 21, 1936
Death: June 28, 2016
He was internationally known for his work in pyrotechnics, visiting
and lecturing in over 11 countries overseas. He authored chapters in
several books on pyrotechnics. His name appeared on the Marshall
Wall of Distinction when it was established on the Square.
He was President and CEO of Technical Consultants, Inc. and
President and CEO of ERU, LLC.
Both corporations dealt with technical issues in propellants,
explosives and pyrotechnics. In 2012, he went to work as Chief
Scientist for Expal USA in Marshall.
He retired in September of 2015.
He was a long-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in
Marshall and was a 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus,
He had served as Grand Knight of Council 1422 and Faithful
Captain of Assembly 2267.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his son David, Jr. and wife
LeeAnn; his daughter Janet Palmer and her husband David; a sister
Joanne Dillehay Hinton and husband David; grandson Brian Arledge
and wife Marissa; grandson Bradley Arledge and wife Angela;
granddaughter Ashley Arledge Mackey and husband Kevin;
granddaughter Stacey Dillehay Maynard and husband Duane;
granddaughter Heather Brewer and husband Jake;, granddaughter
Kristi Taylor, granddaughter Jennifer Ishie and her husband
Thomas, and great-grandchildren Jackson, Morgan, Evelyn, Emery,
Alli Madison, Sydnea, Ty, Aselyn, Jocelyn, Grayson and numerous
nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Thomas J. Dillehay, Jr.
and Rachel Todd Dillehay; father-in-law William Heath,
mother-in-law Dolores Heath, sister-in-law Laverne Heath Hogan.
brothers-in-law Michael Heath, William Heath, Paul Heath, David
Heath and great-grandson Dalton Smith.
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