Bradford Dykeman

Bradford D. Dykeman, 77, of Moline, Illinois, died Sunday, July 19, 2015, at home.

Services are 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 8, 2015, in the Horizon Room at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline. Cremation has taken place at Trimble Crematory. Memorials may be made to the family.

Bradford Delos Dykeman was born December 14, 1937, in Columbia, Missouri, the son of Lewis and Marguerite (Northup) Dykeman. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1956. He married Helen Eddingfield Ruff on May 23, 1981, in Rock Island, Illinois. Previously, he had married Inez Kenney.

Brad was raised on his family's farms in Sarcoxie, Missouri, and Wataga, Illinois. These experiences gave him a strong work ethic that he utilized in many fields, including a gas station attendant, a soil tester for the Dykeman Soil Testing Service, a welder for both Burlington Truck Lines and John Deere Plow and Planter (Seeding) division, as well as an insurance agent for United National Insurance. He retired from John Deere in October of 1999, after 34 years of service.

He was a very active member first of First Baptist Church in Galva, and later of First Baptist Church in Moline. He served as Deacon, sang in the choirs, taught Sunday School, and served on several church committees. He also served as Baptist Youth Fellowship Leader.

He enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping, hunting, horseback riding, and mushroom hunting. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America as a Pack Leader for Pack 350 and Assistant Troop Leader for Troup 111. He was a published poet, composer, and lyricist. He enjoyed singing and playing guitar. He performed for a radio show with his father and a traveling music group called The River Prairie Minstrels.

Brad enjoyed attending Moline High School football games and was a die-hard Chicago Bears' fan. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Above all else, he truly loved spending time with his family, especially his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, telling stories about family and his life as a child.

He is survived by his wife, Helen, of Moline; children, Joel (Julie) Dykeman of Galva, Chris (Julie) Ruff, Chuck Ruff, and Kyle (Ashley) Dykeman, all of Moline; and Kayla Dykeman of Davenport, Iowa. Grandchildren include Amanda Dykeman, Beca and Terry Ruff, Braden Hathaway, Hailey Metzner, and Cora and Carter Dykeman. Brad's great-grandchildren include Destiney Fuller, Alicia and Sierra Sibley, and Kaylee Morrison. He is survived by his siblings, Lester Dykeman, Chuck (Terri) Dykeman, and Nettie (Mike) Nulph; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Lewis J. Dykeman, Jr.

Visit Brad's personal tribute page at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com to share stories and condolences, and light a free candle in his memory.