Cecil J. Dykes was born to Mr. Homer Dykes & Mrs. Dosha (Holmes) Dykes on June 6, 1927, in the town of Goldthwaite, in Mills County Texas.  He had two brothers and four sisters.

In 1944, 17-year-old Cecil Joined the United States Navy during WWII.  After Naval boot camp, he was assigned to the South Pacific Amphibious Forces.  He proudly served his country and saw continuous action while stationed abord the attack ship, U.S.S. BOSQUE – A.P.A 135.

Cecil & his fellow crewmates bravely took part in the Invasion of Okinawa, April 1 – June 21, 1945.  And on September 2, 1945, they were one of 165 Navy vessels in Tokyo Bay that witnessed the historic surrender of Japan onboard the U. S. S. MISSOURI.

On September 2, 1949, Cecil married the love of his life, Miss Delphine Leatha Johnson in Texico, New Mexico.  They had three children & were married for 71 wonderful years.  Sadly, Delphine passed on April 14, 2020.

Throughout his life, Cecil wore many hats – so to speak.

After he was discharged from the Navy in 1946, Cecil enrolled at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.  He graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Agriculture.

He went on to teach school for several years before moving on to become a principal, then superintendent.  After retiring from the education field, Cecil became an agent for State Farm Insurance.  He retired from State Farm in 1998.

Cecil devoted his time to farming & ranching on his property in Wilson County.  He believed in investing in land, as the old saying goes, "They aren't making any more land."

He was a lifetime member of Post 7110 in New Braunfels, serving as Post Commander for two years.

Above all else, he loved his family.  Cecil is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Delphine & their son, Dwight Gregg Dykes.  He is survived by his two daughters: Melinda Ferris & husband, Greg of Bulverde and  Michelle Davis & husband, Michael of San Antonio; four grandsons: Austin, Aaron, Justin Davis & wife, Kayla, & Kyle and three great grandchildren, Elizabeth Davis, Matthew Davis and Dalton Dykes.

Cecil J. Dykes was one of the GREATEST GENERATION; the likes of which we will never see again.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: VFW Post # 7110

Please sign the guestbook at www.doeppenschmidtfuneralhome.com