W.E. "Bill" Dykes

Senator Dykes, a resident of Montpelier, died February 23, 2015. He was a World War II Veteran of the Merchant Marines, 32nd degree Mason and founder of W. E. Dykes Feed and Seed. He was Mayor of Montpelier until his election to the Louisiana State Senate, where he served 12 years. During his time as Senator, he served as Chairman of the Agriculture Committee. He was a charter board member of the St. Helena Parish Hospital and also served as a member on the Louisiana State Hospital Board. Many of his 89 years were spent dairy farming and raising beef cattle and swine. He enjoyed gardening and was a member of the Montpelier Baptist Church. He was a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America. He is survived by his daughter, Billie Claire Dykes Tycer and her husband, James Herndon Tycer; daughter in law, Gloria M. Dykes; grandchildren, Bryan E. Dykes, Jr., William S. Dykes and wife, Heather Compton Dykes, Jamie Tycer Covington and husband, Todd Covington, and Jessica Tycer Rutledge and husband, Zach Rutledge. He adored his great grandchildren, Hannah Claire Covington, Mary Claire Dykes, Lily Grace Dykes, Porter James Rutledge, Jesse James Rutledge and Kylie Dykes. Preceded in death by his parents, Jesse A. and Willie Mae Bickford Dykes; son, Bryan E. Dykes, Sr.; his brothers, Jesse G. Dykes and H. T. "Tag" Dykes and sister, Irma Dykes Story Fugler. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 PM until 9 PM on Wednesday and continuing at Montpelier Baptist Church from 9 AM until Religious Services at 11 AM on Thursday, February 26, 2015. Services conducted by Rev. Rusty Durand. Interment Montpelier Cemetery, Montpelier. Memorial donations can be made to Montpelier Baptist Church, 2241 St. Helena Avenue, Montpelier, LA 70422. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.