W. E. "Bill" Dykes, American soldier and politician (b. 1925)

William E. "Bill" Dykes, a figure woven into the fabric of Louisiana politics and business, lived a long and impactful life from October 23, 1925, until his passing on February 23, 2015. Hailing from his native St. Helena Parish, Bill Dykes carved out a distinguished career, first as a successful businessman and later as a dedicated public servant, notably representing his state's 11th District as a Democratic state senator from 1976 to 1984. His journey through life, marked by service, entrepreneurship, and navigating the complexities of regional politics, offers a glimpse into a bygone era of Louisiana's history.

Early Life, Education, and Wartime Service

Born to Jesse and Willa Mae Dykes, young William grew up in a St. Helena Parish that was deeply rooted in agricultural traditions. His formative years led him to Pine Grove High School, which he successfully graduated from in 1941, during a time when John E. "Prof" Lisenby presided as principal. This educational foundation was further bolstered by his attendance at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, a crucial step that prepared him for both the challenges of war and the opportunities of civilian life.

Like many of his generation, Dykes answered the call to duty, serving his country during World War II. Upon his return, with the war behind him and a renewed sense of purpose, he embarked on an entrepreneurial path that would define a significant part of his career. In 1946, he founded W. E. Dykes Feed & Dairy Supplies in Amite, located in Tangipahoa Parish. This venture, catering to the vital agricultural community of the region, later evolved into Dykes Feed & Fertilizer, becoming a cornerstone business known for its reliability and commitment to local farmers.

A Commitment to Public Service: From Mayor to State Senator

Beyond his thriving business, Bill Dykes possessed a deep-seated desire to serve his community and state. Before his tenure in the state legislature, he held the esteemed position of mayor of Montpelier, Louisiana, the very town where he resided. This local leadership experience provided him with invaluable insight into the needs and concerns of his constituents, preparing him for a broader role in state governance. His public service extended beyond elected office; he was a charter board member of the St. Helena Parish Hospital, demonstrating his dedication to healthcare infrastructure in his home parish. Furthermore, his appointment to the Louisiana State Hospital Board underscored his commitment to public health at a statewide level.

His election to the Louisiana State Senate, representing the 11th District, marked a significant chapter in his career. During his service from 1976 to 1984, Senator Dykes became a respected voice, particularly in matters concerning the state's vital agricultural sector. He notably chaired the Senate's Agriculture Committee, a role that allowed him to shape policies directly impacting Louisiana's farmers and rural economy.

Navigating Political Shifts and Redistricting Challenges

The political landscape of Louisiana, like many states, periodically underwent significant changes, particularly following the decennial United States census. The 1980 census brought about a major redistricting effort, necessitated by the need to accommodate increased representation for African-Americans across the state. This restructuring had a direct impact on Senator Dykes, as his residence was subsequently moved into District 12. This new constituency was already represented by the formidable Sixty Rayburn, a long-standing and influential figure in the Louisiana legislature. Facing such an entrenched incumbent, Dykes recognized the significant challenge and the slim likelihood of securing a victory against a "behemoth of the legislature" like Rayburn.

As a result of this redistricting, Dykes's former District 11 was redrawn to encompass the corridor stretching from Hammond to Slidell. This revised seat was eventually won by Gerry E. Hinton, a Democrat who would later switch to the Republican Party. Dykes, despite the personal political setback, remained engaged in the political process. In 1986, when state Senator Thomas H. Hudson, the chairman of the redistricting committee, ran for Louisiana's 6th congressional district, Bill Dykes actively campaigned for the successful election of GOP candidate Richard Hugh Baker, a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives. While Dykes's residence was no longer in the 6th District (St. Helena having been reapportioned into the 8th District in December 1983), his influence and support for Baker were evident, with delivery trucks from his farm-supply business seen throughout the district, prominently displaying Richard Baker signs. Meanwhile, Sixty Rayburn continued his legislative career until his eventual defeat in 1995 by Republican Phil Short.

Family Legacy and a Tragic Incident

Bill Dykes shared his life with his late wife, the former Ivyne Alessi, and together they raised two children, leaving behind a legacy of family and community involvement. Their son, Bryan E. Dykes, Sr. (1947–2011), followed in his father's entrepreneurial footsteps, becoming a feed and fertilizer businessman. Bryan also mirrored his father's commitment to public service, serving as mayor of Montpelier for ten years, reinforcing the Dykes family's deep roots in the town. Bryan was married to the former Gloria Mack. The Dykes' surviving daughter, Billie Claire Dykes Tycer, and her husband, James Herndon Tycer, continue the family's presence in the community.

A deeply unfortunate and tragic event occurred on April 23, 1988, when Dykes was involved in the shooting death of Harold Bernard Vige in Montpelier, Louisiana. This incident was officially classified as a "hunting accident."

FAQs about William E. "Bill" Dykes

Who was William E. "Bill" Dykes?
William E. "Bill" Dykes was a prominent Democratic state senator from St. Helena Parish, Louisiana, serving from 1976 to 1984. He was also a successful businessman, founding Dykes Feed & Fertilizer, and previously served as the mayor of Montpelier, Louisiana.
When and where was Bill Dykes born?
Bill Dykes was born on October 23, 1925, in his native St. Helena Parish, Louisiana.
What was Bill Dykes's primary business?
After serving in World War II, Bill Dykes founded W. E. Dykes Feed & Dairy Supplies in 1946 in Amite, Tangipahoa Parish, which later became Dykes Feed & Fertilizer.
What political offices did Bill Dykes hold?
He served as the mayor of Montpelier, Louisiana, and later as a Democratic state senator for Louisiana's 11th District from 1976 to 1984.
What committee did he chair in the State Senate?
During his time in the Louisiana State Senate, Bill Dykes served as the chairman of the Agriculture Committee.
How did redistricting affect his political career in the 1980s?
Following the 1980 census, redistricting moved Dykes into District 12, where he faced a challenging re-election against the powerful incumbent, Sixty Rayburn, leading him to not seek re-election in that district.
What role did his son, Bryan E. Dykes, Sr., play in public service?
His son, Bryan E. Dykes, Sr., also became a businessman in the feed and fertilizer industry and served for ten years as the mayor of Montpelier, Louisiana.