Bertrum Valdean Dykes passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, at the age of 90. He was preceded in death by his mother, Inez Comer Dykes and father, Van Marvin Dykes. He is survived by his loving wife, Marilynn White Dykes; sister, Katheryn Dykes McWaters; daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Richard Compton; son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Karen Dykes; son, Michael Dykes; grandchildren, Todd Compton and wife Nicole, Ricky Compton and wife Janet, Nick Compton and fiancee Ashley, Brett Dykes and wife April, Lisa O'Deay and husband Brandon, Yvette Rushing and husband Jeff, and 10 great-grandchildren. Valdean graduated from Istrouma High School in 1941 where he played football and was named Most Valuable Player for Istrouma and the city in 1940. He proudly and honorably served in the Navy from 1942-1945 during the Invasion of Normandy. He was in the Pacific during the invasion of Okinawa. He attended Southwestern Louisiana Institute (SLI) in Lafayette, La., from 1946-1949 where he played football and was named MVP for two years. He earned his bachelor of science degree in education in 1949. He was the first industrial arts teacher in East Baton Rouge Parish and coached football at both Istrouma and Prescott Junior High. He served as assistant principal at Westdale Junior High in 1962 and Baton Rouge High School from 1963-1967. He was principal at Broadmoor Junior High School from 1967-1980 when he retired. Visitation on Monday, Dec. 10, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., and Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. until service at 11 a.m. Burial in Greenoaks Memorial Park immediately following the service. Donations may be made to St. Joseph Hospice Foundation.
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My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Dykes, may the Lord welcome him home with open arms, and give each of you comfort in knowing you shall see him again one day. I knew Mr. Dykes through the USS KIDD in Baton Rouge, he and I were inducted into the Veterans Hall of Honor together in 2006. Mr. Dykes also coached my father in high school. Emerson Ralph Waldo said "It is not length of life, but depth of life", Mr. Dykes lived a life that was was both.
SSG. Douglas M. Ducote Sr.
United States Army (Ret.)
Douglas Ducote
December 13, 2012
We're so sorry to learn of Mr. Dykes' passing. We knew him at Baton Rouge High where he was a strong, positive influence to so many. On more than one occasion, I was sent to his office for what I like to call an "attitude adjustment." From the moment he called me into his office, I could tell he really cared about me and my future. I always respected and admired Mr. Dykes; he was a wonderful man with a big heart, and he was a great educator. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.
Clyde Tull
December 12, 2012
Mr. Dykes was such a wonderful role model to the thousands of students whose lives he touched. I so was fortunate to have been one of those students. He and my father Frederick Church were Assistant Principals together at Baton Rouge High and were also very good friends. There are so many wonderful memories of the two of them. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mary Helen (Church) Fryman
December 12, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Dykes Family. Mr.Dykes was the first principal under whom I worked at Broadmoor Jr. High in 1974, and, until today, I still remember many of his "words of wisdom." He was an extraordinary man who touched the lives of many young teachers, and I had the good fortune to be one of them.
Genevieve Bajoie
December 11, 2012
RIP coach Dykes
Rich Lindsay
December 11, 2012
Mr. Dykes was very influential in my days ay BRHS. Great guy always will appreciate his guidance. 66' BRHS
Johnny Palazzotto
December 11, 2012
Rest in peace, Coach.
Prayers and sincere sympathy to the family.
Bobby Depew
Istrouma High School Graduate 1966
December 11, 2012
Sharon, Ricky and family, we are sorry to hear of you loss. Your father seemed to be a legend to many and a life full of many accomplishments.
Our condolences, Heath and Tiffany Mire
Tiffany and Heath Mire
December 11, 2012
I was blessed to be one of the many students under Mr. Dykes during his service to the EBR Parish School system as teacher, coach, and administrator.He had a special way of keeping all he touched on the right path. All of us will miss him, but keep his spirit always in our hearts. God Bless the Dykes family.
Al Tircuit Prescott Junior, ninth grade and BRHS senior class of 1963
Al Tircuit
December 10, 2012
Principal Dykes-Broadmoor Jr. High-A great influence and wonderful leader. Graduate of Broadmoor High-1972
Donna Kertacy Williams
December 10, 2012
A wonderful man that was a great influence on me, my family and many others. Prayers and sincere sympathy to the family. We have many good memories from Prescott Jr. High. Graduate of Istrouma High, 1965.
Kelley L. LaCoste
December 10, 2012
Steve,
To you and all the Dykes, Ricki and I offer heart-felt condolences for your loss. Your father was a terriffic role-model for many generations!
Michael & Ricki Marcantel
December 10, 2012
All this time, I never knew what your first name/middle name were! "Coach" was how we referred to you, out of respect. You shall always be "Coach" Dykes to me.
Lewis-BRHS 63 Cook
December 10, 2012
A '69 grad of BRHS, I remember Mr. Dykes during my first year there. My condolences to the family.
Rad Delaroderie
December 10, 2012
Steve,
Millie and I extend our deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your father. He raised a Superb son!! Our prayers are with you and your family.
Freddie Williams
December 10, 2012
GOD BE WITH ALL THE FAMILY IN THEIR TIME OF LOSS..... COACH DYKES WAS A GREAT MAN , HE TAUGHT ME MORE THAT HE KNOWS , HE TAUGHT ME TO NEVER GIVE AND HOW TO BE A MAN THAT NOTHING IS TO TOUGH IN LIFE AND GIVE IT YOUR ALL.. I MISS HIM A LOT........ GOD BLESS YOU COACH I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU AND MISS YOU... JOHNNY
JOHNNY HONEY
December 10, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss. The Redemptorist High School faculty, staff, and students.
December 10, 2012
Rest in peace, Coach. Thanks for a lifetime of educating the people of Baton Rouge.
Jim Mitchell
December 10, 2012
May you rest in peace, Coach. You will be missed bt many.
Allie McClure
December 10, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Henry Bozeman
December 10, 2012
May you rest in peace "Coach Dykes"! You had a big impact on my life as a youngster at Standard Heights where you coached us in football, basketball and track. You later was my teacher at Istrouma Junior High. You were a wonderful person. Thanks for the memories.
Donald Wall
December 10, 2012
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