Robert Lee “Bob” Dyke, 79, Bella Vista, Arkansas, died Friday, February 16, 2024 at Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Arkansas.
He was born March 30, 1944 in Parsons, Kansas, the son of George F. “Frank” and Elsie L. (Modesitt) Dyke. Bob attended a country school through the eighth grade then attended and graduated from Thayer High School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1962-1968 and was a member of the American Legion. On April 6, 1980, he was united in marriage to Marlene Sue Koerner in Thayer, and they celebrated over 43 years of marriage. Bob worked for Chanute Manufacturing Company for 20 years, Kawneer Company for 25 years, and Wilcox Truck Sales for 15 years. He had a love for horses, and saved enough money when he was young to buy his first horse named Lightning and later in life loved his Appaloosa named Ranger. He enjoyed bass fishing, was a jack of all trades, and used his carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills to build two homes and help his family in any way. Bob was hardworking, dependable, and cared about the well-being of everyone he knew.
Survivors include his wife Marlene of Bella Vista, AR, five sons, John L. Dyke (Kara A.) of LaSalle, IL, Robert L. Dyke, Jr. (Bradford Chapman) of Fort Worth, TX, Shane Newell (Heather) of Bentonville, AR, Travis Newell (Tami) of Bentonville, AR, and Shawn Newell of Bella Vista, AR, two daughters, Ronda Dyke of Wichita, KS and Tammy (Dyke) Tanquary of Thayer, KS, two brothers, Jack Dyke (Kathy) of Thayer, KS and Charles Dyke (Linda) of Centerton, AR, 15 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Clyde, Bill, and Eugene Dyke.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Friday, February 23, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor, Kansas with Fr. Damian Richards officiating. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Thursday and from 8:30 am until 9:30 on Friday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Hays, Kansas. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 6:00 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested and payable to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Bella Vista Animal Shelter. Condolences and memories of Bob may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com