Milton Thomas Dikes

On April 10, 2026, Milton Thomas Dikes, age 81, passed away in Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Born on July 21, 1944, in Brunswick, Maine, Milton was a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather and great‑grandfather, and a dear brother, uncle, and friend. His life was defined by integrity, service, and a deep appreciation for life.

Milton was raised in a small farmhouse in Harlan County, Kentucky—the same home where his father and grandfather were born and raised. Growing up in a mining community, he developed a lifelong love for animals. As a boy, he often helped the town physician, Dr. Buttermore, with farm work—an experience that later inspired him to raise and care for farm animals on his own. He raised Rhode Island Red and Rhode Island White chickens, tended to his hogs, and kept homing pigeons.

Milton proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he dedicated his career to public safety as a police officer with the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, retiring after 34 years of service. Never one to remain idle, he went on to work as an armed guard with Dunbar Armored for another 20 years before retiring once more.

Milton was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Rosemary Theresa Dikes (née Skudrna). Milton is survived by his children, David Dikes (wife Terri) and Susan Dikes (fiancé Brian Meyer); five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Frances Dikes-Gibson and Virginia Pennington (née Dikes).

Family and friends may gather for military honors and burial on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 11:15 am to 11:30 am at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery, 11501 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117. Services will begin promptly at 11:30 am.

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