Ralph N. Van Dyke Sr.

Ralph Neil Van Dyke, Sr., 78, of Waveland, MS, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2009 in Bay St. Louis, MS. He was born in Siloam Springs, AR and was a resident of Waveland, MS. He was of the Baptist Faith. Ralph was a Veteran having served in the U.S. Army during the Korean and Vietnam wars and he received 4 Purple Hearts. He retired from the Army after 20 years and from the Corps of Engineers. He was a 32nd Degree Mason #429 in Bay St. Louis, and a Past Patron of the Eastern Star Hope Chapter #402. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, & great-grandfather who will be sadly missed.

He was preceded in death by his father, Violes V. Van Dyke, son, Ralph "Larry" Van Dyke, Jr., and 2 daughters, Deborah A. Van Dyke and Kathleen L. Van Dyke.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Lois Thibodeaux Van Dyke of Waveland, MS, his mother, Callie F. Van Dyke of Seattle, WA, his 2 sons and their spouses, Wayne J. Van Dyke, Sr. & Gloria of Jefferson, LA, Dennis P. Van Dyke, Sr. & Miriam of River Ridge, LA, his sister, Shirley M. Rose of Seattle, WA, 8 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

The visitation will be on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Edmond Fahey Funeral Home in Bay St. Louis, MS. The Prayer Service will be on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Biloxi National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. with full military honors.

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home in Bay St. Louis, MS is in charge of the arrangements.