Koen Dalton Sykes

Koen Dalton Sykes, born February 17, 1944, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, died July 8, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky. He was 82. Mr. Sykes graduated from Heavener High School in 1962 and spent most of his working life on the road. He drove a transportation bus for Rapid Transit of Houston from 1965 to 1970, then worked as a truck driver for Herder Truck Lines before starting his own tow truck operation in Houston. He later drove for Herder Truck Lines again and eventually worked for Waste Management and Chemical Waste Management in California, where he retired. Away from work, Koen enjoyed cooking and playing cards. He was a devoted fan of Houston sports—he never missed an Astros baseball game or Oilers football game when he could help it. Those who knew him remembered him as independent, strong-willed, and brave always ready to lend a hand when someone needed it. In his later years, he became a full-time caregiver to his wife Laura from 2013 until her death in 2020. After that, he moved to Kentucky to be near his daughter Charlotte and her family. Mr. Sykes was preceded in death by his wife Laura Lee Sykes and his parents, John Raymond Sykes and Reba Hamsey Dalton Sykes, his siblings Marilyn Wyatt, Reba Steelman, Shirley Johnston, Raymond Sykes, Celia Johnson, Frankie Sykes and Marynell Windham. He is survived by his daughter Charlotte Lee Reeder, his son Koen Dalton Sykes Jr., 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place.