Elmer DYKENS

Elmer "Dutch" Dykens, 79, passed away June 17, 2003 in Flagstaff, Arizona. He born April 10, 1924 in Woburn, Massachusetts to Elmer A. Dykens and Mermet V. Townsend.Dutch became an Eagle Scout in 1942 and joined the US Coast Guard in September 1942. He graduated from high school aboard the weather ship Sea Cloud on a convoy to Murmansk Russia, Class of 1943. He transferred to Motor Machinist Mate school in Groton, Conn. and graduated as 1st class fireman.Mr. Dykens transferred to the South Pacific aboard the Landing Ship Tank 66 and was in 26 invasions whereas he won 8 battle stars. He was discharged as 2nd Class Motor Machinist Mate and after WWII was over he went to work for the Reading, Mass. fire department, retiring as Captain in July 1973, after 27 years of service.Dutch moved to Lake Havasu City July 1973 and went to work for Irrigation & Drainage District as pump engine mechanic for one & a half years. Shortly thereafter he went to McCulloch Corp as a security officer for 13 years. For 58 years he enjoyed volunteering in the Boy Scouts of America and during these years, he received the award of merit in Reading, Mass and the silver beaver from the Boulder Dam area Council.Dutch was a life time member of the VFW and served a two year Stake Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints..Mr. Dykens married Grace Darr Mason on December 1, 1949 and together they had two children. Grace passed away December 12, 1984. He is survived by his loving wife, Jayne Keith Beck, whom he married August 10, 1994. He is also the loving father of 2 children, Fire Marshall James Dykens and Janine Dykens Canfield and ten step-children, George Mason, Tami Beck Erickson, Tina Beck Grimes, Rodd Beck, Teri Beck Holmgreen, Tana Beck Creighton, Roan Beck, Rick Beck, Tara Beck and Reed Beck. He also leaves behind 32 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Sunday, June 22 at Lietz-Fraze Chapel. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM, Monday, June 23 at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints. Interment will follow the services at Lake Havasu Memorial Gardens.Arrangements were entrusted to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home.