Submitted by Scott Billhartz
It was in Professor Nell Oppitiz’s sociology class that Bill Dike ’54 met Mary Hurt ’54 on the campus of McKendree College. Bill was a commuter student and Mary lived in Clark Hall.
After a courtship that included peanuts and Coca-Cola at the school canteen and numerous trips to the O’Fallon Dairy for ice cream, Bill and Mary were married on May 23, 1952, and their marriage was blessed with two daughters and a son. After working odd jobs and serving churches in Beaver Creek, Hopewell, and Mt. Carmel, Bill felt a further calling to the ministry. They decided to make their first of many moves so he could attend Drew Theological School in New Jersey.
Upon completing his Master of Divinity degree, Bill became an Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. He served churches in New York and New Jersey until 1968 when he went on active duty in the United States Navy serving as a chaplain until his retirement in 1991. No matter where the Methodist Church or the Navy took Bill and Mary, they never forgot about their alma mater.
Upon his retirement, Bill and Mary settled in Florida to enjoy the weather. In 2014, they moved to an assisted living center in Maryland to be closer to their children. They enjoyed their time in Maryland, but unfortunately Bill’s health declined and he passed away on January 3, 2021. Because of his long and dedicated service in the Navy, Bill was eligible to have his funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. However, due to COVID-19, the number of funerals caused a backup and Mary and the family had to delay the service. On Thursday, November 10th, the celebration of life service for Bill Dike will occur and this dutiful veteran, faithful minister and devoted McKendree alumnus will be honored and remembered at Arlington National Cemetery. This is a most appropriate send-off for this faithful servant of the church and decorated veteran of the United States Navy.
