Gayland Rex VanDyke

Gayland Rex VanDyke was born October 7, 1933 in Bird City, Kansas, to John Wesley and Christina (Neidig) VanDyke. He lived in Cheyenne County, Kansas until 1940 when his family moved to Decatur, Arkansas. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1952. He served in the Korean War Conflict in 1954 and 1955. He worked for A & P Tea Co. from 1952-1969, except for time served in the U.S. Army. After moving back to Decatur, AR Gayland owned and operated a grocery store for many years and then worked as a heavy equipment operator for Benton County, Arkansas until retirement. He was married to Juanita Bullion from 1956 -1981; they had six children. In 1983, he married Beryl (Spencer) Ellis. Gayland was preceded in death by his parents, baby son Andy VanDyke, brother Gerald VanDyke, sisters Rose Marie Scrogam, Marlene Lou VanDyke, son Keith Ellis and grand-son Taylor Wade Ellis. Survivors include Mellody Panzer and husband Allan of Bellair, Texas, Stephen Vandyke of Gentry Arkansas, Missy Mehringer of Fort Worth, Texas, Phillip VanDyke and wife Dora of West Siloam Springs, Vanessa Wendt and husband Terry of Hayworth, Oklahoma, Lex Ellis and wife Renea of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Tracy Ellis and wife Teresa of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Clark Ellis of Colcord, Oklahoma, Steven Ellis and wife Patti of Colcord, Oklahoma, Kevin Ellis of Vinita, Oklahoma. Grandchildren include Jennifer and Robert Panzer, David and Karissa Weygandt, Rachel Flippo, Celia Vreeland, Christopher VanDyke, Ben, Abi, and Rebekah Wendt, Josh Harper, Adam Ellis, Aaron Ellis, Lindsey McReynolds-Garrett, Ricky McReynolds, Kim Knight, Bobby Jo Knight, Alayna Benefield, Kelsi Sellers, Jamie Tims, Seth Ellis, Anthony Swaim, Stephanie Gragg, Stephen Swaim, Summer Hyde, Levi Ellis, and Sydney Brassfield. In addition, there are 33 great grandchildren and 3 more arriving soon, sister Wanda Sparks of Grove, Oklahoma and brother Lonnie VanDyke of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m., Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Colcord Church of Christ, Colcord, Oklahoma, with Mr. Larry Ellis officiating. Burial will follow at Decatur Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 15, 2016 at Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

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Gayland Rex VanDyke

October 7, 1933 - April 11, 2016