David Farrell Dykes, Sr

David Farrell Dykes was born on January 2, 1932 in Schulter, Oklahoma to Clara (Harleson) and Charles Dykes, Sr. He passed this life on Sunday, July 15, 2012. David was a 1950 graduate of Schulter High School and was drafted into the U.S. Army in October of 1952. He served two years in Korea during the Korean Conflict, reaching the rank of Sergeant 1st class with the 7th division. On March 2, 1953, he married his high school sweetheart, Ruth (Pug) Mussa in Henryetta, Oklahoma, while on two weeks leave before serving in Korea. After serving in the Army, he continued to serve others through twenty-one and a half years on the Schulter School Board and serving as the fist mayor of the re-chartered Schulter Township. Under his leadership as mayor, he and the council members were successfully awarded over $250,000 in grants for the town of Schulter. The grants included the construction of the community center, assisted to obtain a new post office and a new fire department, improved streets, installed street signs, and streetlights. David was employed at American St Cobain for twenty-five years and Ball Brothers Glass Company for twenty years. He is survived by the love of his life, Ruth, one son, David Jr. and his wife Vicki of Schulter, and one daughter, LeAnn of Tulsa. Seven granddaughters and five grandsons also survive him: Farra Dykes, Miranda Dykes, Taryn Dykes, Hannah Dykes, Mary Kate Dykes, Kendale Fowler, Taylor Boolin, Caleb Stika, Hayden Stika, Cayson Stika, Ryan Fowler, and Hunter Mericle. David is survived by two sisters, Martha Rausin of Mesquite, Texas, Mary Warnock and her husband Sam of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, one brother, Donald Dykes and his wife Ruth Ann of Owasso, Oklahoma, three sister-in-laws, Wilma Dykes of Holiday Island, Arkansas, Gay Mussa of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Debbie Mericle of Schulter, Oklahoma, one brother-in-law, Leon Grace of Ponca City, Oklahoma, and many nieces and nephews. His parents, one brother Charles Dykes, Jr. of Arkansas, and two brother-in-laws Darrel Rausin and Joe Mussa preceded him in death. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Schulter Alumni Scholarship Fund. Pallbearers will be Richard Rausin, John Dykes, Jerry Gordon, Chance Hunt, Matthew Mericle, Greg Stika, Joey Fitzgerald and Caleb Stika. Honorary Pallbearers will be Glenn Hargett, Ray Terrill, George Roland, Cleo Miller, Rex Swan, Henry Bezinque, John Hawk and Marvin Hawk. Family will greet friends from 6-8 pm on Wednesday evening at Integrity Funeral Service. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 19 at Schulter Baptist Church. Brother Phil Barton and Brother Mike O'Dell will conduct the service. Burial will follow at the Okmulgee Cemetery under the direction of Integrity Funeral Service. Family will greet friends from 6-8 pm on Wednesday evening at Integrity Funeral Service.