Curtis Wilson Dykes, 96, was born to Grady and Dessa (Polk) Dykes on May 15, 1930, in Sparta, TX, just outside Belton, and passed away May 30, 2026, in Temple, TX.

Curtis was the youngest child with three siblings, Doris, Jimmy, and Marilynn. He grew up on a farm but decided young he would rather cowboy. His brother, Jimmy, introduced him to journeyman electrical work, and he continued as an electrician until he retired from Fort Hood.

Along the way, he spent three years in the Navy as a Sea Bee. He also cowboyed on the Fort Hood Reservation. Those early years of cowboying, along with his love of drawing and sketching, set the stage for his introduction into the world of cowboy art, which became his true passion. Most of his life was spent in Bell County, where he raised his family and spent his senior years. Curtis was well known in Central Texas for his western landscapes and depictions of cowboy life.

Curtis lived in Temple for the past 20 years with his wife, Martha (May) Dykes, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by his sons, Stephen (Jan) Dykes and Stanley (Rebecca) Dykes; grandchildren, Lacey (David) Martin, Kyle (Emily) Dykes, Brent Dykes, and Melissa (Taylor) Schneider; great-grandchildren, Ellie, Colbie, and Granger Martin, Leo and Cole Dykes, Bear Kirwan-Dykes, and Wren and Olea Schneider.

He is also survived by three stepchildren, Cheryl (Chuck) Kutan, Robert (Melissa) May, and Benny (Lori) May; grandchildren, Crystal Smith, Amber (Jared) Janak, Ashley Halbert, Rance May, Porter (Delani) May, Keaton May, Mally (Caleb) Joines, Parker May, Myles (Ashlee) May, Makenzi May, Jacob (Abbey) Joines, and Seth (Jocelyn) Caruso; great-grandchildren, Britany Smith, Cagen Selensky, Cydni (Shawn) Hay, Bella Smith, Jett and Jax Janak, Blake, Bryce, and Charlotte Ainsworth, Crew Gober, Benlee, Jude, and Lettie May, Dreaux and Levee May, Connally and Jensen Joines, and Collins and Gavin Caruso; and great-great-great-grandsons, Attiucs Selensky and Kowen Hay, along with all his beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX, on June 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers from TexMed, Sodalis, and New Century Hospice for their heartfelt care of our father.

In lieu of the usual remembrances, please consider donating to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch or Cherokee Home for Children.