Barney Gene Dykes, 85, of Liberty Hill, Texas, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 10, 2026. He was born on September 27, 1940, in Briggs, Texas, to James R. Dykes Sr. and Lessie Dykes.

Gene grew up in Austin and Liberty Hill, Texas and spent his life devoted to his family, his faith, and the things he loved. He served in the United States Air Force and later worked as a carpenter. He was an active member of the Union Hall Baptist Church, where he built a relationship with Jesus and took great pride in the people and relationships that mattered most to him.

Gene was a motorcycle enthusiast, avid hunter, and gun collector. He also had a deep appreciation for the simple things that brought him comfort and joy. He loved Mexican food, used his favorite coffee mug from a trip to Alaska every single day (Gene and Deedee had matching cups) and was rarely without a spoon tucked into his overalls. These small, familiar habits were just a few of the things that made him uniquely Gene and will be remembered fondly by those who knew and loved him.

Gene was married to Gail Dykes of Liberty Hill, Texas, for 57 years until her death in November 2018. Together, they raised five children. Gene cared deeply for his close family and he is survived by his children, Rick Dykes of Liberty Hill, Texas; Deanna Sicard and husband, Kenneth, of Salem, New Hampshire; Rebecca Staton of Teague, Texas; and Robert Dykes and wife, Nickie, of Cedar Park, Texas. He was preceded in death by his son, Ron Dykes, in May 2026.

Gene is also survived by his loving brother, John Dykes, and Gene's grandchildren, Janne Latronica, Richard Dykes, Steven Dykes, Blake Freydenfeldt, Stacy Cantrell, Shawn Staton, David Dykes, Tasha Kelly, Cody Staton, Zachary Sicard, Chase Sicard, Mollee Dykes, Harley Staton, Kiyah Dykes, Wyatt Staton, Lilly Dykes, Ryland Dykes, and Keira Dykes, as well as many great-grandchildren and his first great great grand daughter, Bonnebell Latronica.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James R. Dykes Sr. and Lessie Dykes, and his siblings, Louise Hopkins, Billy Dykes, and James Dykes Jr.

In recent years, Gene lived with his daughter, Becky, in Teague, where he was surrounded by family every day and cared for by those who loved him.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at William Buck Cemetery in Liberty Hill, Texas. At Gene's request, there will be no funeral or viewing service at the funeral home. Graveside services only.

Gene will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew and loved him. His memory will live on in the family he cherished, the stories they share, and the many little things that will forever remind them of him.