On December 23, 1930 John Calvin Dykes was born to Troy Harrison Dykes and Lorena Helen Dykes (nee Weinhold). Surrounded by family he peacefully joined God in Heaven on April 1, 2009 . He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Debbie; his three children John Calvin Dykes Jr. and wife Jane of Corpus Christi, Kenneth Troy Dykes and wife Debbie of Seguin, and Judith Dykes-Hoffmann and husband, Tobin of New Braunfels; ten grandchildren, Jennifer Shree Everett and Kimberly Martin of Corpus Christi, Troy Dykes and Nathan Dykes of San Antonio, Heather Drury, Kendra Dykes and Delaine Dykes of Seguin, Caleb Hoffmann, Catherine Hoffmann and Canaan Hoffmann of New Braunfels; and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Albert Dykes and wife Bobbie of Seguin, Texas and numerous nieces, cousins and many treasured friends.
Calvin grew up in Seguin and graduated from Seguin High School in 1948. He was active in the FFA and known as "Quiet Cal" and for his mischievous sense of humor. After high school he joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served on the U.S.S. Pine Island during the Korean War. He saw active duty throughout the Pacific with extended stays in California, Hawaii, Japan, Hong Kong and Okinawa. While serving his country, fellow Navyman and friend Lee Jahns introduced Calvin to his lifelong love, Debbie Coil, of Spokane, Washington. They fell in love and married on January 8, 1955.
After the Navy, Calvin and Debbie settled in Seguin where he worked for Southwestern Bell and AT & T, a career that lasted 42 years. He started as a lineman and worked his way up through several management positions that took him and his family to live briefly in Sinton, Texas and Victoria, Texas. In 1979 Calvin and Debbie returned back to Seguin. Through the years Calvin belonged to many bowling leagues, coached his sons in Little League games and took his family on many car trips across the country. He enjoyed cooking and for years bottled his own hot sauce that many around Seguin knew as "J.C.'s Hot Sauce." As well he loved fishing, hunting and camping with his friends and family. He also spent many hours tending his vegetable gardens and creating crafts from wood. He was also a member of the Seguin Lions Club and the Seguin Elks Club.
The family wishes to thank his doctors, nurses and aides at the Hematology Oncology Associates of South Texas, Dr. Flores and staff, Cristus Santa Rosa Hospital, and Guadalupe Valley Hospital. The family wishes to send a special thanks to all the people who drove him to his cancer treatments and the many "angels" of Hope Hospice, New Braunfels, Rev. Paul J. Zwarich and Pastorial Assistant Willie Spreen, Jim Johnson and the staff at Emanuel's Lutheran Church.
A Celebration of Calvin's life will take place on Monday April 6th at Emanuel's Lutheran Church at 11am . In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Emanuel's Lutheran Church, 206 N. Travis, Seguin, Texas, 78155 or Hope Hospice, 611 North Walnut Ave., New Braunfels, Texas, 78130.