John Henry Sykes Jr.

He was born on December 18th, 1938, to his parents, Betty and John H. Sykes, in Sebrell,

Virginia. He was the oldest of five children: two brothers Robert and Leroy Sykes and two

sisters Betty Ann Reid and Robin Rose.

After graduating from Southampton High School in Franklin, Virginia, John enlisted in the

United States Air Force. He served four years as a Systems Mechanic and was stationed at

Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, California during this time.

In 1960 John received an honorable discharge from the military and was employed at Lawrence

Livermore Labs as a Mechanic, and then went on to work for several Merced businesses; Riggs

Ambulance, Isenberg Motors and he was also a school Bus Driver for Weaver School District.

Alongside the mechanic work, John pursued his dream of entrepreneurship to start a

locksmithing business called Sykes Locks & Safes. With a creative and keen skill for all things

mechanical, John opened his shop on Main St. in Merced as the first Locksmith in the

community. Years later John rebranded the business to Sykes Security Systems. John employed

and mentored several locksmith apprentices who sought the opportunity to launch their

businesses.

For 41 years, John was active in the community by serving Merced County residents and visitors

with dedication and commitment as the Maintenance Supervisor and "Trainman" at Kiddieland

in Applegate Park. The many years spent maintaining equipment, crafting, and repairing parts for

rides were something he was very passionate about. It was a joy for him to see the smiles and

laughter when Kiddieland visitors rode the park rides, more notably the train ride that toured the

park. John was the engineer for the train for many years, and in 2012, the train's engine was

dedicated to his service with the signage “John Sykes Engine."

John served his community by holding leadership roles for several clubs: CA Locksmith

Association, Coaching Little League Baseball, and a lifetime membership with Merced Kiwanis

Club.

The greatest pleasure in John’s life was spending time with family and friends. He liked

engaging in conversations and debates and sharing funny and memorable stories with everyone.

He also loved to listen to music and always loved to have a good laugh. Through it all, the key

you were guaranteed to receive from John is a parting smile and an optimistic hope for the best

in all things.

John leaves behind his loving Children: Kathleen Montanez, Rose Eastman, Margo Merritt, and Robert

Sykes. His Stepchildren: Denise Johnson, Carolynn Trigueros, and Sonia Hogan along with Sisters: Betty

Ann Reid and Robin Rose. He has many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews that he

loves dearly and is so very proud of! He is reunited with his Wife Lynda R. Sykes, Daughter Gail Arceo,

Son John H. Sykes III, and Brothers Robert and Leroy Sykes.

Funeral services will be held at the Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home 1490 B Street Merced,

California 95340 on May 26th, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Sykes family.