Rex Duane Dykes, 73, passed away on March 2, 2025 in Hutchinson, Ks. He was born on November 10, 1951 in Salina, Ks to Leo and Cleo Dykes,

In 1970, he graduated from Lindsborg High School. He joined the United States Air Force in 1970 and served for 6 years in Albuquerque, New Mexico. On May 6, 1972 he married Lorraine Griego. After being discharged from the military, the family moved to Kansas. He worked at A1 Auto shop for 7 years, and then managed the automotive department for Walmart alongside his wife, Lorraine for 13 years. He was a longtime resident of McPherson for over 41 years.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lorraine, daughter, Chantel Dykes, two sons, Christopher Dykes and Rex Dykes II, and granddaughter, Lory Ann Ruth Dykes.

Service will be held at 1:00 PM on March 15th at 1200 Paradise Ln, McPherson, Ks 67460.

The Conversation

Me: Okay, Jehovah, here's the thing. I'm scared. I'm trying not to be ... but I am.

Jehovah: I know. Do you want to talk about it?

Me: Do we need to? I mean... you already know.

Jehovah: Let's talk about it anyway... we've done this before.

Me: I know, I just feel like I should be bigger or stronger or something by now.

Jehovah: (waiting patiently, unhurried, undistracted, never annoyed).

Me: Okay. So, I'm afraid I'll do everything I can to protect my family and it won't be enough. I'm afraid of someone I love dying. I'm afraid my life is always going to feel this unsettled.

Jehovah: Anything else?

Me: EVERYTHING ELSE.

Jehovah: Remember how your daughter woke up the other night and came running down the hall to your bedroom?

Me: Yes.

Jehovah: You were still awake, so when you heard her running, you started calling out to her before she even got to you... remember? Do you remember what you called out to her?

Me: I said, "You're okay! You're okay!

I'm here."

Jehovah: Why did you call out to her? Why didn't you just wait for her to get to your room?

Me: Because I wanted her to know that I was awake, and I heard her, and she didn't have to be afraid until she reached the end of the dark hallway.

Jehovah: Exactly. I hear you, my child. I hear your thoughts racing like feet down the dark hallway. There's another side to all of this. I'm there already.

I've seen the end of it. And I want you to know right here as you walk through it all, you're okay. I haven't gone to sleep, and I won't.

Me: (crying). Can we sit together awhile? Can we just sit here a minute before I go back to facing it all?

Jehovah: There's nothing I'd love more.