John Dykes Obituary
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The Visitation for John Dykes will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at Gallagher Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The service will be held in the Chapel on Friday at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Kirk Maxey officiating with visitation from 8:00 a.m. until time of service. Interment will follow with full Military Honors in Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
John was born in Hammond, Louisiana, on January 7, 1965 to Charlene and Willis Dykes. He was a graduate of Pine High School in Pine Louisiana. Following graduation, he enlisted and served in the United States Marine Corps. Following his service with the Marines, John transitioned to the Louisiana National Guard and worked as a federal technician at CSMS.
He was the J4 Armament Supervisor and most recently served with Bravo Company 199th. During his almost 40 year military career he served our country in two deployments to Iraq, Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010, and Operation Inherent Resolve in 2020. He was a proud soldier and United States Veteran.
John was a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. After joining the Louisiana National Guard, John met his wife of 30 years, Valerie. He was a devoted father to their two children Bailey and Garrett. They were his pride and joy. He loved spending his time with his family, was passionate about the great outdoors, and LSU football. John was a dabbler. He loved trying out new pastimes with Garrett. He went hiking, camping, golfing and loved yard work.
He was always up for a shopping trip with Valerie and Bailey and would take them anywhere they wanted to go.
John was preceded in death by his father, Willis Dykes.
Also, left to cherish his memory are his mother, Charlene Dykes Mobley; sister and brother-in-law, Rita and Jr Graves; father/mother-in-law, Herbert and Patsy McKnight; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Dallas and Kelly Baxter, Zach and Amy Brister, James and Laura Mcknight, Herbert McKnight Jr; nephews, Josh (Koren) Spinks, Mason Paul, Delton Baxter, and Jameson Spinks; nieces, Kelsey (David) Simmons, Chloe Paul, Emma McKnight, Ainsley Baxter, Riley Brister, and Scarlett Simmons; and a host of extended family and friends.
Pallbearers honored to serve are Dallas Baxter, James McKnight, Herbert McKnight, Jr., Zach Brister, Mason Paul, Josh Spinks, Paul Linzay, and James Richey.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
COL (Ret USA) Calvin & Jan Washispack
September 19, 2024
The Final Salute - In Memorial Honor to Chief John Dykes
Brothers in Arms, Military men, and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged Hand Salutes as a sign of recognition and "as a way" to render courtesy and respect one to another.
This Hand Salute is the last that we shall render to Chief Dykes, Brother-in-Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for the Chief Dykes. To Chief Dykes, it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to our great country, State, and community during his service with the USMC and the Louisiana National Guard. Chief we honor. your distinguished military record, and we commend you for your Many years of honorable service in the USMC and the Louisiana National Guard. You are a true patriot, who served with honor and distinction. You upheld the finest qualities of an American Marine and Soldier: courage, commitment, generosity, sacrifice, love and devotion to family and country. You were a true Professional Marine and Soldier. You are dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace. You were truly "A Marine" and "A Soldier."
On behalf of the entire U.S. Military (U.S. Army, Navy, USMC, Air Force and Cost Guard) and the Louisiana National Guard we extend our sympathies and our condolences to your family and loved ones.
The American Marine and Soldier does not fight and serves because he hates who is in front of him; he fights and serves because he love who is behind him.
COL (Ret, USA) Calvin & Jan Washispack
September 18, 2024
COL (Ret, USA) Calvin & Jan Washispack
September 18, 2024
COL (Ret, USA) Calvin & Jan Washispack
September 18, 2024
To: The Family, of Chief John Dykes,
We extend our sincere sympathies and heartfelt condolences for your loss of John. You should be very proud of his service and accomplishments in the USMC and the Louisiana National Guard which he served as a great/professional Marine and Soldier. A deserving tribute to a great Marine and Soldier.
It is the "Marine and Soldier"
In Memorial Honor to Huey Chief John Dykes
USMC and Louisiana National Guard
It´s the Marine and the Soldier,
not the pastor/preacher, who has given us freedom of religion and worship.
It´s the Marine and the Soldier,
not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It´s the Marine and the Soldier,
not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It´s the Marine and the Soldier,
not the demonstration organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble and demonstrate. It´s the Marine and the Soldier, Who salutes the Flag, who serves beneath the Flag and whose coffin is draped by the Flag, who gives the protester the right to burn the flag.
The American Marine and Soldier does not fight and train because he hates who is in front of him; he fights and trains because he love who is behind him.
It´s the Marine and the Soldier,
not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It´s the Marine and the Soldier,
not the politician, who has given us the right to vote, ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
ETERNAL REST GRANT HIM O LORD AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON HIM.
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