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.   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.

Mass of Christian Burial for Dr. Dillehay will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marshall, Texas with Father Denzel Vithanage officiating.   Visitation will be 6:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 30, 2016 at Downs Funeral Home with rosary at 7:00 p.m.