Graveside services for Dr. Robert Van Dyke will be held at Masonic Cemetery in Jamesport at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2007. A family visitation will be held at Pierre Funeral Home in Evansville, Ind., on Sunday, March 18. Arrangements are by McWilliams Family Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Gideon’s International.
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Dr. Robert Critten (Doc) Van Dyke, 82, died Thursday, March 15, 2007, at Core Nursing Home in Evansville, Ind.
Dr. Van Dyke was born May 17, 1924, on a farm outside of Jamesport. He was the son of Virgil and Eva Van Dyke. He attended and graduated from Jamesport High School in 1942.
He was united in marriage to Doris Robinson on March 4, 1944.
Dr. Van Dyke joined the Navy during WWII and served as an electrician’s mate for a period of two years. After an honorable discharge, he attended Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine in Manhattan, Kan., and became a licensed veterinarian. His internship was in Allerton and Newton, Iowa.
He and his wife, Doris, moved to Pella, Iowa, in 1952, where he practiced veterinary medicine in large and small animal health. He was an expert in swine consultation.
Due to health problems, the Van Dykes moved to Heber Springs, Ark., in 1968, where they opened a small animal clinic. He sold his practice in 1982 and they took a one year tour of duty with World Concern as veterinary missionaries in Haiti. When the tour of duty ended, he went to work for the Department of Agriculture as a swine and poultry inspector, retiring after seven years.
The Van Dykes were active members of Gideon’s International for many years.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, in 2005, after 61 years of marriage. He then relocated to Henderson, Ken., Evansville, Ind., area.
Survivors include four children, Brenda Sue Logan of Bedford, Texas; Rex Van Dyke of Manchester, Iowa; Donna Briggs of Henderson, Ken.; and Robin Van Dyke of West Plains; one brother, Lowell Van Dyke of Kansas City; one sister, Marilyn Paris of Hale; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.