Steven Michael Dykes, 62, went home to the Lord on Oct. 9, following a heroic battle with cancer.
Steve was born on Aug. 6, 1950 to Leroy and Leota (Keane) Dykes at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Alliance. He attended Alliance High School, graduating in 1968. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving during the Vietnam War, from 1968 until 1972.
He then attended Sidney Vo-Tech College, graduating with a degree in Electronics. He was later employed by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad as an electrician for 31 years, before retiring in 2010.
He met the love of his life Theresa Louise Vinton in 1977 and the two were married on Nov. 11, 1978 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Alliance, Nebraska.
Steve was highly involved with the Knights of Columbus, where he earned his Fourth Degree. He was also active with the Holy Rosary RCIA program, Marriage Encounter, Funeral Committee, Calvary Cemetery upkeep, Black Diamond Rail Club, Alliance Eagles, Habitat for Humanity, and as a driver for the Sisters at Marian Residence.
Some of his favorite pastime activities included reading Science Fiction novels, watching Nascar races, which he referred to as “roundy-rounds”, and rooting for his Alliance Bulldogs, Chadron State Eagles, Nebraska Cornhuskers and, of course, “Da Bears.”
He also enjoyed spending time in his garage “just dinking around”, and taking his dog Chocolate for morning walks to pick up his daily copy of USA Today for the crossword puzzle. One of Steve’s greatest pleasures was bring joy to others through his impromptu jokes and storytelling. His greatest joy was his family and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife and children John and Amanda Dykes of Lingle, Wyo., Dan Dykes and Christine Thom of Seattle, Wash., and Mark and Louise Dykes of Alliance. He is also survived by grandchildren Abigail and Andrea Dykes of Lingle, Matthew Thom of Seattle, and Michael Dykes of Alliance and his sister Lynn and nephew Tony of Alliance, uncle Bruce Keane of Tucson, Ariz., and numerous brother- and sister-in-laws, nephews, nieces and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father Leroy Dykes, mother Leota Hardy, brother Richard Hardy and his dog Jerry.
A wake is scheduled for 7p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14 at Holy Rosary Church, with fellowship to follow. Memorial services will be Monday, Oct. 15 at Holy Rosary with Father Lou Nollette officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites.
Those planning to attend the wake or funeral services are requested to wear their best Bears or Huskers attire.
Memorials may be given to Jane’s Closet.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com