Clyde Aaron Dilbeck

Former long time Moses Lake resident, Clyde Dilbeck, died peacefully at Windcrest Alzheimer Care Center in Abilene, Texas on Tuesday, June 5, at the age of 93. Clyde was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Lawana Howard Dilbeck. Clyde and Lawana raised their family in Moses Lake and they and their children have many friends who still live in the community. Clyde is survived by his four children; Marian Piersall 1960 (Paul 1961) of Abilene, Texas, Janiece Schuette 1962 of Arlington, Wash., Linda Byrnes 1964, (Dennis 1964) of Arlington, Wash., and Kenneth Dilbeck 1974, (Michele) of Grapevine, Texas, five grandchildren, including Nic Olinsky 1980 and three great-grandchildren.

Clyde was one of the oldest members of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Jointers Local 1849, Pasco Wash., and a recipient of the 55 year pen. Clyde came to the Moses Lake area in the early 50's, from Mena, Ark., on the promise of work constructing Grand Coulee Darn, the missile silos and Larson Air force base, including the Sage Building. "Arkie," as he was also known, helped construct the Moses Lake Library, O'Sullivan spillway and numerous homes, buildings and bridges in the area.

Clyde was an active member and elder at the Moses Lake Church of Christ and spent many Labor Days and Memorial Days leading work teams in maintenance activities. Clyde was famous for his gardens, fruit trees and in later year his amazing dahlias and tulips. He could often be found selling his excess at the farmers market in downtown Moses Lake. Clyde loved to hunt and fish and spent many wonderful hours on the areas lakes and in the local mountains.

Clyde moved to Abilene, Texas in the early 90's, to be closer to family during his later years. Services will be held at Piersall Benton Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St., Abilene, Texas 79602 at 11 a.m. Saturday June 9, 2007. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.