NORMAN — Russell Leon Dilks, 87, of Norman, passed away early Tuesday morning, March 12, 2013, at the Norman Veterans Center.
Services for Mr. Dilks will be 10 a.m. Thursday at the McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church, 419 S. University Blvd. in Norman, with Rev. Linda Harker, Rev. Cal Brannon and Dr. Dick House officiating. Burial will conclude at 3 p.m. Thursday in the Temple Cemetery in Temple.
Russell was born April 9, 1925, in Temple, the son of Clarence E. and Nell (McTaggart) Dilks. Russell attended schools in Temple, graduating from Temple High School in 1942. Russell was united in marriage to Miss Alma V. Tipton on Dec. 11, 1942, in Temple.
Russell entered into active duty with the United States Army on Sept. 14, 1943, in Los Angeles. He served his country for more than three years before being honorably discharged on Oct. 28, 1946, at Fort Sam in Houston.
Russell and Alma moved to Norman in 1948, where Russell was employed with the United States Postal Service, serving as a rural carrier and a postal clerk. He retired in 1980 after more than 35 years of service.
An entrepreneur by heart, Russell owned and operated numerous residential rental real estate investments in Norman. He also owned and operated the Chair Backs and Program Concessions at Sooner football games at the University of Oklahoma for 40 years.
Russell was an avid OU football fan and enjoyed traveling to support his Sooners on the road. He also enjoyed his visitation role at the McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church, following up on prospective members for the church. No other pastime warmed his heart more than spending time with his family. He adored his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they will miss him greatly.
Russell was a member of the McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church and the Fellowship Sunday School class for more than 60 years.
The Dilks family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of the Norman Veterans Center for their care and attention given to Russell for the time he was with them.
Survivors include his two sons, Larry Dilks and his wife Janie of Norman and Richard Dilks of Norman; his daughter, Denise Zachary of Norman; two sisters, Zella Jo Bowers and Glennell Williams, both of Temple; 10 grandchildren, Rick Dilks and his wife Susan of Owasso, Jennifer Allen and her husband Shane of Lee Summit, Mo., Kerri Tiedman and her husband Alan of Norman, Tracee Dickie and her husband Joe of Las Vegas, Aaron Dilks of Norman, Kaylee Dilks of Norman, Ryan Sandefer and his wife Amanda of Oklahoma City, Drew Sandefer and his wife Leah of Norman, Marshall Zachary of Norman and Bryce Zachary of Norman; 15 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, additional family and friends.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Alma V. Dilks on Dec. 23, 2010; one granddaughter, Sherri Little on Feb. 16, 2009; and one sister, Laura Lewallen.
The Dilks family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Havenbrook Funeral Home, 3401 Havenbrook St. in Norman.
Arrangements for Russell and his family are placed in the care of the Vice family at the Havenbrook Funeral Home in Norman.
Online condolences may be shared at www.havnebrookfuneralhome.com.
Norman Transcript, Wednesday, March 13, 2013
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