Evan Jacob Dykes, 22 years of age, of Concordia, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at Cloud County Health Center in Concordia. He was born on September 19, 1988 in Salina to Darwin and Sharon (Blackwell) Dykes. Evan's childhood was filled with love, laughter, bruises, broken bones, challenges, mumps, measles, and all that goes along with being an active little boy. His fascination for fireworks and building rockets never ended. In his short lifetime, Evan has accomplished many things. He graduated from Concordia High School in 2007. Throughout his high school years, he worked for the Blade Empire for several years, the bowling alley, and Rod's Food Store. After graduation, he spent three years attending Beloit Vo Tech receiving certification in masonry, carpentry, and plumbing, heating, and cooling. During the three years going to Beloit everyday, he also worked at Wal-Mart in Concordia where he was currently employed. Evan was an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church during his youth and currently as an adult alter server. In his free time, which was limited due to school and work, he enjoyed fishing, PS3, washing and waxing his car, and spending time with family and friends.

Evan is survived by his parents, Darwin and Sharon Dykes; sister, Whitney Dykes and fiancée Mitch Sipe, all of Concordia; brother, Nathan Dykes (Amber Larsen); two nephews, Korbin and Jayden Dykes, all of Salina; grandparents, Richard Blackwell of Aurora, Robert and Karen Dykes of Concordia; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Dorothy Blackwell; and great grandparents, Eddie and Marie Blackwell, Leon and Blanche Girard, Kenneth and Mildred Smith, and Dorothy Dykes.

Evan will forever be remembered for his sincere integrity, kind smile, spontaneous laughter, quiet loving spirit, and always thinking of others before himself. The memories of Evan's life will be our strength forever.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM Thursday, September 8, 2011 in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Concordia, with Rev. Barry Brinkman officiating. Interment will be in the St. Concordia Catholic Cemetery, Concordia. Visitation will be held from 9 AM to 9 PM Wednesday, September 7, 2011 with a vigil service at 6:30 PM and family greeting friends from 7 – 8 PM in the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the Evan Jacob Dykes Scholarship Fund for a graduate of Beloit Vo Tech in care of the funeral home.