Gilbert Eugene "Gene" Van Dyke
On September 13th 2022 this world lost a once in a lifetime man, Gilbert Eugene “Gene” Van Dyke at the age of 77. Gilbert was born in the early morning hours of November 2, 1944 at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana. He spent his younger years growing up with his siblings and being raised on a dairy farm which he spoke about frequently with love and excitement. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantry Marine and began a lifelong journey. In 1966 Gilbert deployed on his first combat tour in the Republic of Vietnam with 2nd Battalion 5th Marines where he was awarded his first Purple Heart in June of 1966 for injuries sustained during combat as well as the Silver Star for valor during combat operations in May of 1966. After returning home, Gilbert Married Sherre Roberds (Duer) where they were married for 13 years and in December of 1968 they welcomed their first Son Dirk Van Dyke. In 1969, Gilbert deployed once again to the Republic of Vietnam where he was awarded his second Purple Heart for injuries sustained during combat in September of 1969. Upon returning home after his tour of duty, Gilbert and Sherre welcomed their second son Curtis Van Dyke in March of 1971. During their thirteen years of marriage they enjoyed many great times especially raising their sons and being heavily involved in any equine activities they could. During Gilbert’s time in the Corps, he also had various deployments to Japan, Korea and Cuba to just name a few. In 1982 SSgt Gilbert Van Dyke retired from the Marine Corps and began his civilian life. On November 10th 1984 he married Elisa Gargrave and together, they welcomed their first child Jacob Van Dyke in October of 1985. In April of 1987 they once again welcomed another child, this time something different, his one and only daughter Aaryn Van Dyke. Gilbert and Elisa enjoyed 37 years together, from being heavily involved in their church, to hiking, camping, fishing and building their lives together. Gilbert was an avid outdoorsman who had a passion for fishing, hunting and just getting to be outdoors in God’s beautiful creation. He is survived by his wife Elisa Van Dyke of 37 years, former Spouse Sherre Roberds (Duer), Son Dirk Van Dyke (Damiera), Son Jacob Van Dyke (Chelsie) and Daughter Aaryn Van Dyke (Christopher), sister Kay Newell, many nieces and nephews, mother in law Sofia Gargrave, sister in law Anita Gargrave, 15 grandchildren, and multiple great grandchildren. He is proceeded in death by his Father Gilbert Van Dyke, Mother Madeline Smith, brother Jim Van Dyke, brother Frank Van Dyke, son Curtis Van Dyke and father in law John Gargrave. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in honor of SSgt. Gilbert Van Dyke (USMC/Ret) to be made to the Semper Fi Fund as he requested.
Celebration of life for Gilbert “Gene” Van Dyke to take place 09/24/2022 at VFW Post 8986 located at 1316 Hibbs Rd. Newport, NC 28570 at 2:00pm. Following the service and full Military Honors, we will have hors d’oeuvres and soft drinks available while we all remember the great life of our Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, Grandpa, Papa and Marine. Again, I know I missed tagging people, so please share away. Thank you all for the kind words, love and support from all who have reached out to the entire family. Thank you again to VFW Post 8986 for all your efforts and brotherhood.
