John E. Dilks Jr.

GREENSBORO, N.C. - John E. Dilks Jr., formerly of Wilmington, Del, passed away at his residence in Greensboro, N.C. on Mon., April 25, 2011. He was 85. John was born to the late Ruby Hetrick and John E. Dilks, Sr. and raised in Townsend, Del. He was a man of great courage, perseverance, and faith. John proudly served his country in World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart for his valor and wounds received in combat in the Rhineland. He later wed Mary George of Middletown, Del, and settled in Wilmington where he attended Goldey Beacom College. He went on to study at the Wharton School of Business and Brown University. John was employed at the Phoenix Steel Company in Claymont and later retired as Treasurer of WSFS Bank and President of Star States Leasing. John was a member of Emmanuel Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Wilmington. He was a Past Master of Oriental Lodge #27 of the Masonic Order of Delaware and participated in the Eastern Star, Nur Temple Shriners, and Kiwanis Club of Wilmington. John is survived by his wife, Mary; son, John (Jack); daughter, Cindy; son, Barry and daughter-in-law Arlene; granddaughters, Alexandra and Melanie; sister, Joan Walsh; and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his brother, Russell; and sisters, Ruby Keeler, June Dixon, and Billie Hetrick. John was a loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend to many and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sat., April 30, 2011, at Emmanuel Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 1006 Wilson Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to The ARC (Association of Retarded Citizens) of Delaware, 2 S Augustine St., Wilmington, DE 19804-2504; or to the VFW National Headquarters, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111; or to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 E. 33rd Street, Ste. 1100, New York, NY 10016. To sign guest book, visit spicermullikin.com. Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory. 302-328-2213