David H. Dilks , 98, of Hatfield, PA; formerly of Royersford, PA passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Abington-Lansdale Hospital.

David was the loving husband of Barbara S. (Snell) Dilks for 33 years. He was born in Royersford, PA to the late Charles B. Dilks and the late Bertha (Nelson) Dilks.

David graduated from Spring City High School in Spring City, PA, class of 1944.

From 1944 to 1946, during WWII, he served as a radioman for the United States Navy in the Pacific on the battleship USS Massachusetts. In 1951, during the Korean war, he again served as a radioman for the Navy. He worked in management for Synthane Taylor Corporation in Oaks, PA for 32 years. He was then employed as a manager for the former The Budd Company in Phoenixville, PA for 12 years. He lastly worked part-time as a starter for the PineCrest Country Club in Lansdale, PA.

David was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Harleysville, PA. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #602 and the VFW Post #6241, both of Royersford, PA. He was a member of the Forever Young Veterans of Collierville, TN. He was one of the original founders of the Nine Oaks Swim and Tennis Club in Royersford, PA. He was the first president of the Spring City Jaycees. He also served on the Spring-Ford School Authority.

David was proud to be a retired United States Navy Veteran and to serve his beloved country. He loved sports especially baseball, football, and golf. He was a big Phillies, EAGLES, & Penn State Football fan. He enjoyed dancing, singing, karaoke, and listening to old time music. He loved working on puzzles especially cryptograms & Wordle. He was always up for a party which he was always the life of.

David was a loving, kind, friendly, witty, charismatic, and charming man who had a great sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two daughters, Donna Spatz & husband, Royal of Boyertown, PA, Karen Vineski & husband, Joe of Columbia, TN; his two sons, Jim Dilks & partner Myree Troutman of Royersford, PA, Thomas Dilks of Spring City, PA; his step-son, Bo Smith & wife, Dr. Jeannie Astorino of Cochranville, PA; his step-daughter, Amy Ferretti & husband, Joseph of Hatfield, PA; his five grandchildren – Ben, Rachel, Royal, Rebecca, & Andrew; his two step-grandchildren – Joey & Jenna; and his six great-grandchildren – Jordan, Scout, Royal, Evangeline, Ruby, & Alyssa.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his two brothers, Nels & John Dilks and his sister, Elizabeth Weller.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on the battleship USS Massachusetts at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Forever Young Veterans, P.O. Box 1381, Collierville, TN 38027 or donate online at https://foreveryoungvets.org/give/

Arrangements by: Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 East Broad Street, Souderton, PA 18964. To send online condolences to the family, visit www.andersfh.com