Richard "Dick" Jerome Shykes

Passed to eternal life on July 21, 2024 at the age of 90 surrounded by his family.

Richard was born to Paul A. And Eleanor R. Shykes February 13, 1934 in Duluth, Minnesota.

Richard graduated from St. Jean’s Catholic School in 1952. Following high school he attended Jet Mechanic School but decided to stay near family and worked as an auto mechanic with his father in Duluth, and Oklahoma City, OK. He owned and operated many transmission shops and a sanitation business. Richard had a passion for race cars, golf and helping others. He built and drove many race cars and played many rounds of golf. As a fan of the sports he attended NASCAR and PGA events. Because of his strong faith in the Lord, Richard was always willing to help those that needed it whether that was a family member, a friend, or a stranger.

Richard married the love of his life Sharon Louise Kehoe on June 27, 1959. They were married 61 years and he was by her side until her passing May 14, 2022. They raised 4 children and many foster children.

Richard and Sharon’s main love was their family. They lived in many places including Oklahoma City, Ok, Duluth, MN, Plano, TX, and Eufaula, OK, but always near family and always had an open home. They enjoyed the Lake life and were strong in their Catholic Faith volunteering together at church and enjoying coffee and donuts with their friends after mass.

Richard is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; parents, Paul and Eleanor; sister, Mary; brothers, Paul, Philip, and Mark.

He is survived by his four children, Julee (Randy) Ellefsen, Beth (Robert) Chesley, Paul, Amy (Bruce) Smith; grandchildren, Derek, Ashlee, Andrew, Eric, Paul Jr., Nolan, and Luke and their spouses; great grandchildren, Sophia, Brynlee, Brayden and Kylah; sister, Paulette; brothers, Chuck and Bob; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his dog, Hollee.

A Visitation will be held from 3-5pm on Sunday, August 4, 2024 at Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. Second Street, Duluth, MN. The Visitation will continue at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 2410 Morris Thomas Rd, Duluth, MN from 10am to the 11am Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, August 5, 2024. Burial at Oneota Cemetery.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home 218-727-3555.