Donald Ray Dillow Jr., 69, of Barnhart died Oct. 16, 2025, at his home. Mr. Dillow was a retired laborer for Laborers Local 110. He was the original owner of Don’s Speed Shop in Barnhart, where he enjoyed repairing and building custom motorcycles for his friends and customers. He enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson. He also hosted several bike runs for local charities, including the National Guard Armory in Festus, when his daughter was deployed with the 220th Engineers in Iraq in 2005, which provided Christmas presents to local Army National Guard Soldiers. He was also one of the original members of the movement that changed the rules for Herculaneum High School in 1974/1975 to allow students to have long hair. The movement went all the way to Jefferson City, where the law was changed. Born Sept. 16, 1956, in Fredericktown, he was the son of Donald Ray Dillow Sr. of Barnhart and the late Linda (Fortner) Dillow.
In addition to his father, he is survived by his wife: Pamela Jean Heaps-Dillow; a daughter: Michelle Dillow (Bryan) Babot of Statesboro, Ga.; a granddaughter: Laylah Babot; a sister: Lou Anne (Gary) Schutte of De Soto; a nephew: Rickie (Jennifer) Lucas of Festus; and two great-nieces: Olivia and Ava Lucas.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.