Dakota Shawn Dillon

Dakota (Kota) Shawn Dillon

Blessed to us on August 5, 2004, and was reclaimed by Heaven on December 15, 2023.

Dakota, or Kota as most called him, was born in Odessa, Texas to parents Dale and Melanie Dillon of Colorado City in his early years of growth and development with friends through his second-grade year of school. Family relocation led to the city of Hamlin, Texas where Dakota would remain until the family relocated to Arkansas in his mid-eight grade year. While in Hamlin, Dakota attended the First Baptist Church and was baptized to the Lord's service in September of 2014 by Then Pastor John Powell. Dakota was an active member of Troop Hamlin like Boy Scouts, but truly better. There Dakota learned outdoor skills, teamwork and faith as well as many other things a young boy should know to become special. Thank you Dan Byerly and Troop, he loved you all and the adventures you shared.

Kota moved to Malvern in the middle of his eighth-grade year and graduated in 2022. He became a member of the Soccer team for 4 years and while complaining about running, he loved it. Dakota stayed as an average student he never pushed to excel to the level he could have, and he would tell you himself just that. Kota was interested in making friends laugh and having fun; It didn't matter if you were the worst student or Valedictorian to him, if you were his friend, he would share his love.

Dakota worked at the Pactiv plant in Malvern as an operator, and worked with people who would further become friends, share in his life, and become stories the next day. He was not afraid of hard work as long as there was a paycheck attached to it, apparently taking out trash and cleaning his room were not paying positions. He was living the dream life; lots of money, no bills, no stress, just friends and his motorcycle which he so loved riding alone but especially with friends.

Kota was passionate about loving, he loved his family and helping them when he could with a hug or smile. He loved his friends, who got to see the young man who would do what he must for a smile and a laugh if it would help. He loved his Lulu puppy, which would be stolen from his parent's room nightly to be held and loved upon. He truly loved life and having him love you was a blessing to have in your heart.

Dakota was met in Heaven by William Dillon grandfather and Harold Wayne Smyers grandfather. Pastor John Powell who led him to Christ, and of course his beloved Boxer George who probably knocked him down as well as others who wait for us.

Dakota leaves behind with love, memories, and joy for his gift of love his parents, Melanie and Dale Dillon, His brother Daniel Dillon and significant Kailey. Daniel with whom he shared many memories fishing, gaming and sending hilarious videos. His sister, Mikayla Underwood and husband Gus, Mikayla who carried him around like a doll when he was born and shared so many laughs with him growing up. His nephew, Owen Underwood who would have loved Dakota and one day will feel his love. With love he leaves behind Grandparents, Ann Smyers and Ronald and Marge Porter, His Aunts with whom he shared love Shawn, Colleen, Jill and Mary, along with manly love from his uncle's Sam, Randy, John and Jeremy. Cousins Will, Carson, Levi, Justin and JJ. Many more scattered who would have loved to have known him. Special family friends whom he loved the Mims and Morton Families who he has known all his life and the Revis Family who took him into their love like natural. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023, at Gospel Light Baptist Church off Tanner Street starting at 2:00 PM with Pastor Jon Horton officiating. Funeral arrangements entrusted with Atkinson Funeral Home of Malvern, Arkansas.  Online condolences can be made at www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net.