Donald J. Dillabaugh

Donald John Dillabaugh, 69, of Wheatfield, Indiana passed away November 1, 2022, in his home after a brief illness. Don entered Our Lord’s embrace peacefully surrounded by his loving family. 

Don was born August 24, 1953, to Howard and Marjorie (Ready) Dillabaugh in Gary, Indiana. He graduated from Hebron High School in 1971. He married the love of his life, Debra Lee Davis on January 1, 1978, in Hebron, Indiana. 

As a young man, Don went to work for his family’s house moving business Dillabaugh, INC. He eventually founded his own business, Don’s Foundation Repair. Over several decades of hard work, DFR built a reputation as the premier foundation repair company in Northwest Indiana. In 2016, Don semi-retired, and sold the business to his son-in-law, Ryan Guess. Over the ensuing years, Don continued to offer his wealth of expertise and experience to the business and continued to do individual construction projects. 

More than anything, Don loved his family. He was described as “a rock of a man,” and this was true both spiritually and physically. He found joy in sharing memorable and exciting experiences with his loved ones, and his extended family. Whether it was trips to the Florida Keys in the depths of winter, or trips to Michigan to downhill or cross-country ski, or to the shores of Lake Superior to escape the “dog days” of summer, Don was always happiest sharing his adventures, his knowledge, and his generous love for Christ.

Don was an elder of Community Bible Church in DeMotte, Indiana where he led Care Group Bible study in his home and ministered to young men. He was also active in Awana. Don had a giving heart and an open door to those who needed his wisdom and fellowship. Many who knew Don would say he was a cottage theologian, but he was far too humble to wear that mantle. He did, however, own a large personal library filled with the works of religious scholars, fathers of the church, and great doctrinal thinkers. Even as he battled illness, Don expressed an intellectual excitement at the prospect of entering heaven and meeting Our Lord. 

Don is survived by his wife: Debra, children: Jennifer (Josh) Letner, Miranda Earls, Rebekah (Danny) Adams, Leanne, (Ryan) Guess, and step-daughter: Cassie Lee, 14 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, siblings: Deborah Sands, Daniel (Peggy) Dillabaugh, Dianne (Roger) Powell, Donna (Bill) Elrod, and Sharon (Jeff) Piatt.

Don was preceded in death by his parents: Howard and Marjorie Dillabaugh. 

Friends are invited to visit from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 4, 2022, at Community Bible Church in DeMotte, Indiana. 

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Faith Fellowship Church, 84 S. 500 W., Valparaiso, Indiana. Pastor Rodney Tolleson will officiate. Burial service will be held at Maplewood Cemetery in Crown Point, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Operation Christmas Child.