Life story Ronald Lee Dierkes, age 69, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2015 at the Hanover Health and Rehab Center in Hanover, Indiana. Born May 26, 1946 in Madison, he was the son of Hubert Frank and Helen Marie Manville Dierkes. Mr. Dierkes was a 1964 graduate of Shawe Memorial High School, attended Saint Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Indiana, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Indiana State University. Mr. Direkes drove for Catch-A-Ride in Jefferson County. He was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, where he had served as an altar boy, and Hanover Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School. He was a volunteer for the March of Dimes and Salvation Army, and a member of Promise Keepers. He enjoyed all sports, coaching children, playing baseball, basketball and church softball, was a birdwatcher, and loved to read and write, having written a book of prayers. Survivors include his wife, the former Shirley Welch, to whom he was married on June 29, 1985 at the Hanover Baptist Church in Hanover; two step-sons: Joey Hawkins of Madison, and Carroll Hawkins, Jr. of East Enterprise, Indiana; one brother and sister-in-law: Larry and Sherry Dierkes of Carmel, Indiana; one sister and brother-in-law: Nina and Denny Luckett of Milton, Kentucky; five grandchildren: Samantha and Michael Wilson, and Vanessa, Justin and Britany Hawkins; three great grandchildren: Charlie, April and Landen; four nieces: Ashley and Angela Luckett, Paula Varble and Julie Thorne; and two nephews: Justin Luckett and Todd Dierkes. He was preceded in death by his father in 1948, his mother in 2007, his step-father in 1996, one sister, Judy Bowyer in 2001, and one grandchild, Braylen Hawkins. The Reverend J.D. Traylor will conduct funeral services at 1:00 PM Sunday, October 4, 2015 at Lytle Funeral Homes, Vail's on Michigan Road, 117 Holt Drive, Madison. Friends and family may call from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Saturday, October 3 and from 12:00 to 1:00 PM Sunday. The Rosary will be recited at 7:45 PM Saturday at the funeral home. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Prince of Peace Catholic Schools. Contribution envelopes are available at the funeral home. Visitation DetailsSaturday October 3, 2015 5:00pm - 8:00pmSunday October 4, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pmService InformationSunday October 4, 2015 1:00pmInterment Details To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald Lee Dierkes, please visit our floral store.