Robert "Bob" C. Dierkes

Robert C. "Bob" Dierkes, age 95 changed his residence from Sarasota, Florida to his "seat in the heavenlies" on June 11, 2022. He was born on a farm about ten miles north of Madison, Indiana on January 7, 1927, to Hubert and Lena Dierkes. He was the youngest of five children, two brothers and two sisters who, including his mother and father, have all predeceased him.

He attended Liberty School, a one-room school for all eight elementary grades, for his elementary education, and graduated from high school at Madison High School in 1944. He enlisted in the Air Cadet Enlisted Reserve program at age 17, hoping to enter the Army Air Force at age 18 and become a pilot. He was called to active duty in June of 1945 shortly after VE-day. With the war almost over, they canceled the pilot program and he changed his career to cryptography and telecommunications and spent twenty-two years in the USAF, retiring in 1966. His overseas assignments were Greenland, Alaska (before it was a state), and Taiwan (two tours).

While stationed in Greenland, his buddy gave him the name and address of a girl living with his girlfriend, in Washington D.C. Bob corresponded with her for his last three months in Greenland, and made arrangements to visit her on his return in April of 1948. Thinking nothing more about her and this chance meeting, he went on to his assignment in Alabama. There was an overage of his skill there so he asked to be assigned to the Pentagon and maybe date this new acquaintance. He made contact with her on his return to Washington and in February of 1949, Sadie Miller became his wife. Shortly after their return from Alaska, they adopted two children in Washington, DC. Within six months of the final adoption, Sadie became pregnant and their biological daughter was born in 1956. Throughout the rest of his career, she and their three children were able to accompany him on all of his assignments. Even though it was somewhat of a hassle at times, their worldwide assignments gave them an education they would not have received otherwise.

After his retirement in 1966, he worked for Western Union for 17 months and then finished his career as a communications specialist for the Federal Government with assignments to Germany and Washington, DC.

Upon retirement in 1982, they moved to Sarasota, Florida, and spent the rest of their lives there. Within a few months after arriving, they joined Grace Baptist Church and were members for 28 years. During that time, Bob served in many capacities, including deacon for four terms, nominating committee, Christian Education Committee, established and supervised the Money Counting Committee, trustees, and was Mission Fund Treasurer for nineteen years. He also ran the printing shop for approximately seven years.

He and Sadie moved to Sunnyside Village Retirement Community in 2009 where she passed away in 2010. After her passing, he was instrumental in the planned Sunnyside Village Chapel becoming a reality. He was also predeceased by his two daughters and son.

He discovered a beautiful lady in January of 2014 and took Mary Jane Martin as his wife on August 9, 2014. He is survived by her, the second love of his life, three stepsons, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the mission organization SIM USA, Post Office Box 7900, Charlotte, NC 28241-7900

A memorial service will be held at Sunnyside Village Chapel, 5201 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota, Florida on June 22, 2022 at 2 PM

Inurnment of Bob's ashes will be private at a later date.