Donnie K. Dykes

Donnie K. "Oberlee" Dykes, 65, of Jonesborough, was called home early Sunday morning, December 6, 2009 at his home following an extended illness.

He was born in Greene County, Tennessee on July 6, 1944, the son of the late William and Grace Peters Dykes. Donnie had resided in Washington County, Tennessee for most of his life. Donnie was an employee of Eastman, having retired due to poor health. He was of the Baptist faith. Donnie was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He loved to fish and hunt until he became disabled. Donnie was a veteran of the United States Army.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Bradley Dykes; a brother, Martin Dykes; a sister-in-law, Norma Jean Carroll; and a brother-in-law, Donald Whitaker.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Martha Whitaker Dykes; one daughter, Patricia Miller and husband, Sam, of Chuckey; two sons, Michael Dykes and wife Trina, Fall Branch, and Edward Masingale and fianc e Mary Keplinger, Jonesborough; one granddaughter, Mirinda Miller; four grandsons, Jacob Carver, Austin Miller, James Dykes, and Brandon Dykes; and adopted grandson, Howard Hensidil; two sisters, Jean Dykes and Opal Dykes, both of Greene County; one brother, Denver Dykes, Greene County; a sister-in-law, Nellie Dykes, Jonesborough; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 at Hamlett-Dobson Fall Branch Chapel. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel, with Rev. Archie Bowser and Rev. Rick Bowser presiding. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Fall Branch, with military rites conducted by American Legion post #3/265 and the Tennessee National Guard.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Miller, Berthil Bowser, Billy Holland, David Horner, Scottie Littleton, and Ronald Littleton. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ronnie Whitaker, Dr. William Bell, and Bobby Coleman.