Dillan Michael Owens

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dillan Michael Owens, beloved son, grandson brother and friend, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 27 on December 16, 2025, at Sandridge Post Acute in Mesa, Arizona leaving behind a family who adored him. Born on March 25, 1998, also in Mesa, he was taken from us way too soon and will be deeply missed by all who were acquainted with him. Dillan spent his life surrounded by the love of family, friends and the community that watched him grow.

He is survived by his father, Jay Shingleton and bonus mom, Kimberly Shingleton; his mother Cathy Owens; grandparents Judy and Edward Shingleton, Leland and Kathy Grieves, and Beverly and Donnie Anderson; aunt and uncle Julie and Paul Lidia and cousin James Lidia; step-siblings Brittany, Naythan and Taylor who shared in the joy of knowing Dillan as well as five half-siblings.

Dillan’s journey started in 2008 when a Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma Brain Tumor was found growing on his Optic Nerve. The tumor could never be completely removed so he slowly started losing his eyesight but that never let it stop him. Dillan had a brain tumor resection when he was 10 and then again when he was 11. He had gone through several chemo and radiation treatments to try to shrink the tumor. He never complained. He was brave.

Dillan’s journey was marked by resilience and courage but in 2013, when he was only 15 years old, he underwent another life-changing tumor resection surgery that altered the course of his young life. During that surgery the new surgeon caused him to have a thalamic stroke which made him go blind in his right eye and damaged his pituitary gland among other problems. Dillan’s body now relied on many medications for his body to function. The worst of his ailments that he had were Hyponatremia and Hypernatremia which affected his internal sodium number. For 12 years Dillan was in and out of the hospital more times than we could count. He had two more tumor resections in 2015 and in 2025 with his new surgeons who were amazing. He endured so much but he was a fighter through it all.

Despite the challenges he faced afterward, Dillan remained determined and optimistic. He graduated from Mountain View High School in 2018 at the age of 20—a milestone that reflected his perseverance and strength.

Before his surgery in 2013, Dillan found joy in many hobbies that brought him closer to those he loved. He was granted his Make-A-Wish to go to Disney World for their big Star Wars event and Universal Studios in Orlando, FL 6/4/2010. He hiked the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim 10/10/2010 with his dad and the Foundation for Blind Children and appeared on Good Morning America in New York. He did Taekwondo and earned his red belt with one black stripe. He loved camp. We are thankful he got to attend Camp Soaring Eagle every year. He would win the most Woodworking projects award. His favorite class in high school was Woodshop. He was an avid video game enthusiast which started with the X-Box his dad bought him. He participated in a bowling league and in 2012 his team won 1^st place. Dillan was a devoted fan of WWE wrestling; he especially admired John Cena and Sheamus. He was able to attend a WWE live event with his grandma when they came to Arizona. Some of his most cherished moments were spent building LEGO creations with his dad and grandparents—times filled with imagination, laughter, and connection. He loved to listen to Metallica, AC/DC and Christmas music with his dad and grandma.

Dillan loved his food. His favorites were the bacon we would cook for him for breakfast to go with his pancakes and the pizza we would have delivered to his residence from Barros Pizza. He loved his bone-in hot wings and would eat every last bit of meat from them. He loved dairy queen blizzards that his grandma would bring him. He was a fan of Strawberry and Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts, Fuego Takis, Flamin Hot Cheetos and Pop Corn with White Cheddar popcorn seasoning.

Dillan’s spirit was defined by bravery and an ever-present smile that uplifted those around him. His warmth touched many lives and left lasting impressions on all who knew him. He gave the best hugs and fist bumps and had the greatest laugh and we will truly miss that.

When life gets hard just remember to be Dillan Strong. Keep your chin up and smile. He would want that.

In honor of Dillan’s memory and the causes close to his family’s heart, donations may be made to the following organizations:

– Foundation for Blind Children

– Make-A-Wish

– Barrow Brain Tumor Research

– American Brain Tumor Association

May Dillan’s memory bring comfort to those who knew him and serve as a reminder of a life lived with courage, love, and unwavering spirit.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 10, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 02:15 PM at Gilbert Memorial Park Cemetery 2100 E Queen Creek Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85297

We will be having Dillan’s favorite foods immediately after. Wear your favorite t-shirt that reflects Dillan’s character. WWE, Star Wars, Metallica, AC/DC, Dallas Cowboys, Dragon Ball Z, Naruto or funny sayings like Beavis and Butthead or Snoopy “Nope not today” shirts.