Orell Gene Dykes, 77, of Verda, went to his eternal home after passing away on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at the Hazard ARH hospital after a very long illness. Orell was born on August 16, 1945, at Verda, where he lived most of his life.

Orell fiercely and enthusiastically loved Lydia, his wife of 53 years, who he still worried about until the very end. Always together, neither was interested in activities that couldn't include the other. They loved one another "to the moon and back." Orell taught his daughter, Michelle, the value of education, work ethic, and to be independent and self-reliant. Toward the end of his life, his greatest joy was being grandfather to Max, with whom he shared a special bond. He loved watching Max learn to play baseball, to count, and to say his alphabet. He was extremely proud of him and especially enjoyed giving him treats that Michelle did not like him to have.

Orell was self-employed and ran a neighborhood store for over 20 years, where he gave countless youth a safe place to play video games, shoot basketball, or hang out on the front porch. He was a member and past Master of the Evarts Masonic Lodge, where for years he enjoyed traveling to assist other lodges in new member induction ceremonies. He was also a member of the Harlan Christian Church and Order of the Eastern Star.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Margie Dykes; a sister, Linda Lou Dykes Hubbard; a brother, Ronnie Dykes; and his grandparents Lige and Vira Fultz Dykes.

Survivors include his wife, Lydia Hamby Dykes, Verda; daughter, Michelle Dykes Anderson (Sam), Verda; grandson, Pierce Maxwell Anderson, Verda; brother, Jimmy Dykes (Charlotte), Connersville, IN; brother-in-law, John Hamby, Evarts; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends, including a special friend, David Gross.

Visitation will be at the Evarts Funeral Home on Thursday, December 8, 2022, beginning at 12 p.m., with funeral services to follow at 2 p.m. Jeff Noah and David Gross will officiate. Immediately following the funeral, Masonic Rites will be performed by the Yocum Lodge #897 F&AM. Burial will immediately follow at Evarts Memorial Gardens, with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Orell's memory are appreciated to the Harlan Little League at P.O. Box 1005, Harlan, KY, 40831 or to Shriner's Hospital of Lexington at 110 Conn Terrace,
Lexington, KY 40508.

Evarts Funeral Home is honored to serve the Dykes Family.