TITLE: In memory of David Orlo Dykes of Tyler.

SUMMARY: In memory of David Orlo Dykes of Tyler.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to a close with the passing of Pastor David Orlo Dykes of Tyler on July 2, 2025, at the age of 72; and WHEREAS, David Dykes was born in Ruston, Louisiana, on January 16, 1953, and he grew up in southern Alabama; he devoted himself to his Christian faith at an early age and began preaching in 1970 at the age of 17; he attended Samford University before earning a master's degree in divinity and a doctorate of ministry from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he later completed a postdoctoral study at the University of Cambridge; and WHEREAS, Pastor Dykes shared a fulfilling 51-year union with his wife, Cindy; he took great pride in his two daughters, Jennifer and Laura Grace, and with the passing years, he had the pleasure of seeing his treasured family grow to include five grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Throughout his early career, Pastor Dykes served as senior pastor of three Alabama churches, Tallaweka Baptist Church, First Baptist Church Oneonta, and Gardendale First Baptist Church; in 1991, he was named senior pastor of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, and over the course of his distinguished three-decade tenure, membership grew from 9,000 to 17,000; along the way, he led mission teams to more than 30 countries, trained pastors around the world, and published over 20 books; after retiring from Green Acres Baptist Church in 2021, he served the congregation as pastor emeritus; and WHEREAS, In recognition of his many commendable efforts, Pastor Dykes was awarded the M. E. Dodd Denominational Service Award by the Southern Baptist Convention in 2008, the Alumnus of the Year Award by The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2021, and the inaugural David Dykes Servant Leadership Award by East Texas Baptist University in 2024, and he received an honorary doctorate from East Texas Baptist University; in his leisure hours, he enjoyed playing golf and traveling the world, and he led more than two dozen tours through Israel with his wife; and WHEREAS, Deeply dedicated to his family, his faith, and his community, David Dykes earned the lasting respect and admiration of all who were privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of Pastor David Orlo Dykes and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Cindy Dykes; to his daughters, Jennifer Holman and Laura Grace Dykes; to his sons-in-law, Jason Holman and Joseph Provencher; to his grandchildren, Lizzie, Caroline, and Grant Holman, Ada Liner, and Samuel Provencher; to his siblings, Judy Kapa and Daniel Dykes; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of David Dykes. Hughes President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on August 15, 2025, by a rising vote.