Dr. Ben Dykes

Dr. Ben Dykes

1922 - 2003

Dr. Ben Dykes passed away at his residence in Jackson, California, on April 10, 2003. A longtime resident of Taft, he is survived by his wife of sixty years, Evelyne.

Dr. Dykes moved from Airiton, Alabama, in 1924, and lived in Taft until 1967. He is survived by his four daughters and their husbands, Carol and Ray Zak, Nancy and Carl McEnroe, Kathy and Bill Bolding, and Kim and Bob Kaehler. He was blessed with thirteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his sister, Martha Sherman; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his extended Cambodian family, the Lims.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. H.R. Dykes Sr.; brothers, Dr. H.R. Dykes Junior, Dr. Jack Dykes, Dr. Dick Dykes, and his identical twin brother, Bill Dykes.

Dr. Ben attended Conley, Roosevelt, Lincoln, and Taft High where he graduated in 1940. He graduated from U.S.C. and Northwestern University Dental School. He was a member of Taft Rotary Club and served as President of the Taft High School and College school boards. He was an active member of the Methodist Church while in Taft, serving on the board during the building of the Annex. He also served on the Westside Park and Recreation District Board and was active in various charities in Taft. He was President of the Taft Quarterback Club for ten years.

He later moved to Pleasant Hill, California, and was responsible for establishing five dental hygiene programs in California, the Taft program always being his favorite. He was a lifetime member of the American Dental Association and was inducted into the International College of Dentistry in 1972. Dr. Dykes served his country during World War II, and again during the Korean Conflict.

He and Evelyn went to Thailand with World Concern in 1980 working as missionaries for the Cambodian people. It was at that time he met the Lim family.

He was a devoted husband and a loving father and grandfather. His family is secure in knowing he is in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and that they shall be together again.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at 2:00 p.m., in the First United Methodist Church, Seventh and North Streets, Taft. Rev. Carl McEnroe will officiate and burial will follow in the West Side District Cemetery. Friends are invited to give their respects on Tuesday, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and again on Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home.

Erickson & Brown Funeral Home