Franklin Dyke

Franklin L. Dyke, 88, of Cheyenne, died 23 July in Cheyenne. Frank was born April 30, 1925, 12 miles outside of Carmargo, Oklahoma, the 4th child of Jesse N. and Millie M. (Crain) Dyke. He married Leatha M. (Shelton) Riggs in Coldwater, Kansas, on June 7, 1946. A marital partnership of 65 years. He proudly raised two sons. Jimmy "Jim" F. Riggs became part of the family when Frank married Leatha. Alvin L. Dyke was born September 1, 1947. Frank was a Charter Member of the American Legion Post in Arnett Oklahoma. He was a past member of the Disabled American Veterans. He belonged to the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Cheyenne Veteran of Foreign Wars, Post 11453. He was a dedicated member of the Knights of Pythias serving as the Grand Chancellor (97-98) in the domain of New Mexico. Frank was a member of the First Christian Church of Cheyenne. Frank served in WWII in the European Theater. He was awarded two Purple Heart Citations for wounds received in France and Germany. Frank worked various jobs over the years from ranch hand to insurance agent. He was Operator and Station Agent for the Santa Fe Railroad, retiring December, 1986. Frank is survived by a sister, Donna A. (Dyke) Manhart of Durham, Oklahoma; son, Al (Jerri) Dyke; daughter-in-law, Nancy Riggs; four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Frank was preceded in death by his spouse, Leatha; son Jim; his parents; brothers, Buddy (Melford), Don, Dale; sisters, Mary Emma, Ila Mae, Daisy, and Lida. A Memorial Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on August 9, 2013, at the First Christian Church. Interment will at the Harmon Oklahoma Cemetery. Consider a donation to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter. Cremation is under the care of Schrader Funeral Home.