Walter B. Lykes (Lansing)

Mr. Walter Branden Lykes peacefully departed this life and entered into internal rest with his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, in Lansing, Michigan, with his loving and devoted mother and family at his side. Age 40 years. He was born on November 29, 1980 in Lansing, Michigan, to Julius and Juanita Lykes.

Walter was a life-long resident of Lansing and briefly lived in Florida and Texas for short period of time. He attended and was baptized at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church (PRBC). While at PRBC he was very active in several ministries, ushering, drama, youth department, and played the drums for the choir. Walter played little league football and he later coached. Walter is a graduate of J. W. Sexton High School where he played football, participating in the marching band, and school orchestra. He briefly attended Lansing Community College.

Walter was a truly kind and sweet person with a beautiful smile. This smile lit a room with his beaming eyes and fun personality. The love of his life was his beautiful, intelligent, warm-hearted daughter, Ahjalé. His love for her exceeds words of expression. Walter was well-loved by his family and friends, especially his mother who took wonderful care of him during his life and illness.

Walter was an avid fan of Michigan State University (MSU) football and his favorite professional basketball player was LeBron James no matter what team he played on. His favorite pastimes included watching and listening to sports. During Walter’s last days you would notice his eyes strongly focus on sports or BET.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, whom he cherished, Ahjalé; his dedicated and loving mother, Juanita Lykes; his father, Julius (Dorothy) Lykes; sister, Diane (Ivan) Rodgers; brothers, Julius Lykes, Jr. and William “Lonnie” (Janice) Lykes; nieces, Janae Lykes and Ivanna Rodgers; nephews, William “Tony” Lykes, Shuan Rodgers, and Cameron (Kifara) Rodgers; three great-nieces, Davina Lykes, Jazmyne Rodgers, and Kierra Wray; four great-nephews, William, Warren, and Wesley Lykes, and Jeremiah Rodgers; aunts, Ruby Guyton, Lois Glover, Patricia (Stan) McKinstry-Allen, and Dora Thompson; great-aunt, Dorothy McKinstry; uncles, James (Sheila) Hall, Hunter O’Neal Jackson, and George “Charlie” McKinstry; Godmother, Anna Williams; god-sisters, Natasha Bibbs and Élan Bridges; special aunt, Elayne Chandler;, an array of beloved cousins including a special cousin who also cared for him, Gloria Jean Crawford who will miss him dearly; he also leaves to cherish his memory many other loving and caring relatives and friends including his best friend, Aaron “AB” Blankenburg.

He was preceded in death by a loving niece, Kiani Rodgers; grandparents, George and Gloria McKinstry, O’Neal and Elsie Mae Jackson; and aunts, Ella Jackson and Dorothy Mae Coachman.