Mr. Steven Markland Sykes' Obituary
SYKES, Steven Markland Sykes, November 26, 1947 – January 5, 2021
Steve Sykes departed this world for greater life on January 5, 2021. He was born to Billie Mae Meserole and Charles Emons Sykes, Jr. on November 26, 1947 in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in Oak Cliff and graduated from Justin F. Kimball High School where he was captain of the Knight Football Team. He went on to play football at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and finished his Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting at The University of Texas at Arlington. Once called a “saver” by a childhood teacher, Steve went on to become a certified public accountant and owned his own business helping others with accounting and investments for the rest of his life. On October 19, 1980 he married Kay Sykes of Kaufman and he cherished her for 35 years. One of Steve’s greatest services in life was caring for Kay in her final years. They loved each other dearly. They met at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Dallas, where Steve remained a lifelong member and served in many capacities over the years including on the vestry, the softball team, and the men’s camping group. Steve was an avid golfer and accomplished making not one, but two, holes-in-one at Firewheel Golf Park in Garland. Steve also enjoyed reading, traveling, music, and dining. For the last years of his life, you would often find him at local dining establishments, making friends everywhere he went. By his side was Debbie Reinhardt of Richardson, whom he loved, honored, and respected. Together they lit up a room with their humor and joy. They cared for each other and each other’s families and delighted in doting on Steve’s grandchildren. Debbie continued caring for Steve until his final moment. His children also surrounded him at that time. Steve was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and “Grandpa”. He will be remembered for his humor, his work ethic, his faith, and the solid foundation he created for his family, as well as the care and protection he gave them. He will be dearly missed. Steve is survived by his children Christopher Sykes, Eric Sykes, Jennifer and her husband Travis Griffin, Christopher Jackson and his wife Patricia O’Donnell, and his grandchildren Ashleigh O’Donnell, Alexandra Jackson, Jazz Sykes, Travis “Miller” Griffin, Jr., Madison Griffin, and McKenzie Griffin. His sisters and their families also survive him: Diane Sykes, Pam Felt, Kay Cole, and Cathy Faulkner, as well as his first wife, Yvonne Elaine Brown, and his cousin, Peggy Lochridge Redmon. Steve is preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his grandparents Leota and Charles Emons Sykes, Sr., his stepmother Jean Sykes, his stepbrother Paul Sykes, as well as many others with whom he is joyfully reunited. Family will receive friends on Friday, January 15, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas. A private family service with streaming access for others will be held on Saturday, January 16, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Dallas, with interment open to all at 1:00 p.m. at Restland Cemetery in Dallas. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, Dallas.
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