Father of state Sen. Dillard dies

Services were pending Sunday for veteran suburban teacher and baseball coach Edward F. Dillard Jr., the father of state Sen. Kirk Dillard, a Republican candidate for governor.

Edward Dillard of Hinsdale died Saturday at the age of 82 from natural causes, according to his son's campaign. Dillard suspended his campaign activities Saturday night in advance of the Tuesday primary.

Edward Dillard was a history teacher and baseball coach for 40 years at Hinsdale Central High School. He served in the U.S. Army, starting its first interracial baseball team, according to his family. Edward Dillard also played in the minor leagues in the 1950s, was the MVP of basketball and baseball at Lakeview High School in Chicago and played in the All Stars at Wrigley Field.

"Edward always had good story to share for all occasions," read a statement from his family. "He was an avid baseball fan and his memory was outstanding right to the end. Edward's vast knowledge in all areas astounded everyone he met."

Edward Dillard is survived by his wife of 58 years, Martina; his children Kirk Dillard, Kimberly Dillard-Schaeffer and Karyn Mina Dillard-Gits; and his brother, William.

Kirk Dillard will face former state GOP Chairman Andy McKenna, former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan, state Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington, Hinsdale businessman Adam Andrzejewski and conservative commentator Dan Proft in the Republican primary for governor on Feb. 2.