CARBONDALE (WSIL) -- A longtime Carbondale mayor has died. Neil Dillard died Saturday, April 24 at Carbondale Memorial Hospital at the age of 92.
Dillard was first elected mayor in 1987 and was the longest serving mayor in the city's history, with 16 years in office.
Dillard was born and raised in West Frankfort. Other accomplishments in his life included serving on the Carbondale City Council for 22 years and working at SIU.
The City of Carbondale released a statement on Dillard's passing and his service to the community.
"Dillard dedicated his life to community service and was a champion for Carbondale concerning economic development and tourism. Under his leadership, the City was a partner in the construction of the new high school and development of the Superblock, the University Mall was expanded, a new water plant was constructed, and the City Hall/Civic Center was constructed.
While he was Mayor, he promoted equality and approved the development of the Human Relations Commission, which to this day still advises the Council on problems in the community concerning race, disability, sexual orientation, and religion.
The Mayor was well respected for his leadership within the community and throughout the state. Along with his wife, Mary Ellen, who was a community leader in education and the arts, they were named Citizen of the Year by the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce in 2003. Mayor Dillard also served as President of the Illinois Municipal League."
for updates on services, which have yet to be announced.
