After many years of fighting cancer Alan Jay Dillavou, 71, of Caddo Valley, won the victory and went to be with the Lord on October 25, 2018 . He was born in Eldora , Iowa , on March 14, 1947 , to Earl and Thelma Dillavou who both preceded him in death. His early years were spent in Malvern, AR. Alan played baseball for the Malvern Boy's Club and then was recruited to play for the Connie Mac team as a pitcher. He was known for his left handed curveball. The St. Louis Cardinals were interested in him at this time. Alan then joined the U.S. Air Force were he spent four years and was discharged at Matagorda Island , TX . For a time he attended Henderson State University .

Alan was saved while attending Taylor 's Chapel Church at Central and baptized in the river and later became a member of Third Street Baptist Church . He sang bass in the choir, recorded the pastor's messages, coached the church softball team and also pitched for them. Alan taught Sunday school at the nursing home. He loved to fish, hunt, and golf and especially playing at the Caddo Creek Golf Course with his friends. Alan could also be found pitching for the Mill Creek Braves team in Arkadelphia.

Of the many different jobs he held, the one he enjoyed most was being Mayor of Caddo Valley, AR. His first task was to get the city out of arrears by selling some pine timber. This followed by building a playground, basketball court, bathrooms and a walking trail. He also got a grant from then Governor Mike Beebe to help build the walking trail and put in many hours of labor himself to save the city some money. Alan helped get a tax passed for 6 months to help buy four new police cars for the city and was instrumental in getting some of the streets paved and updated by working with the County and Highway Departments to get stop lights installed in Caddo Valley .  Coming to Little Rock to meet with the Municipal League and working with the late Don Zimmerman and mayors around the state was a delight to him.

Alan leaves behind his son, David Alan Dillavou of Caddo Valley, two sisters, Mary Downs (Arlis) of Little Rock, and Bethel Peters (Bobby) of Benton, three brothers, Dennis R. Dillavou of Locust Grove, OK, Loran Dillavou (Sandy) of Little Rock and Willis Sams (Regina) of Hot Springs, as well as many nieces and nephews. His sister, Christine Sams preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, November 3, 2018 at Welch Funeral Home in Arkadelphia with Bro Arlis Downs officiating.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guestbook.