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RULO, NEBRASKA……..Dion Charles Grier, 73, of Rulo, Nebraska, died Friday, May 31, 2024 at University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, KS, where he had been admitted as a patient a couple days earlier.  Dion was born at Atchison, KS, November 11, 1950, second to the oldest child born to Charles McKinley and Louanna Sanders Grier.  He grew up at Hiawatha where he attended schools, graduating from high school with the class of 1968.

Dion enlisted with the U.S. Navy right after graduation.  He traveled all over the world and many places between including two tours at Vietnam where he received at least one Purple Heart.   Dion served his country faithfully until discharged in 1990, at the rank of Chief Petty Officer, spanning over a period over twenty two years.  He returned to Hiawatha to make his home prior to moving to New Orleans for a time.  He again returned home to live until moving to Rulo, Nebraska to make his home.

He was a member of the VFW of Falls City, Nebraska and several other veteran's organizations.  Dion while stationed in California became a member of the veteran's biker organization which a love for riding motorcycles still existed today.  Dion was very proud of his service for his country, and made friends wherever he went.  Here in later years he enjoyed fishing and hunting.

He married Zollie Gaylene Butrick who preceded him in death in 2015.  Dion's parents also precede him in death.

Survivors include his significant other Judy Farber, step-daughter Ibra Williamson, four sisters:  Tanya Mabion, Roberta Steward, Rhonda Ballew, Alta Lee, four brothers:  Malcolm, Barry, Danny and Ethan Grier.  Many nieces, nephews, also survive along with a host of friends.

A celebration of Dion's life is planned for 10 a.m. Monday, June 10, 2024, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.  Malcolm Grier will officiate.  Military honors will be a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.  Private burial will take place at Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 11 a.m. Sunday, where the family will meet friends from 4 until 6 Sunday afternoon.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.  A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com