Darwin Wayne Dietiker, 79, of Axtell, passed away on Monday, November 27, 2017 at the Providence Hospice Place surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 30, 2017 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bellmead with Pastor Larry Krueger officiating. A private burial ceremony will be at Axtell Cemetery.

Darwin was born May 11, 1938 to Walter and Thelma (Schlemmer) Dietiker in Otto, Texas on the family farm. He attended Elk Elementary School and was a 1956 graduate of Axtell High School. He married the love of his life (his Honey) Diane Gilley on January 26, 1963. They enjoyed 54 years of marriage. They had two children: Darin Dwayne Dietiker and Danae Michelle Dietiker Pieri. Darwin enjoyed his two precious granddaughters, Emelia Pieri and Ellison Pieri who loved their Grandpoppy. He enjoyed taking on rides on his ATV and taking them fishing. Darwin was confirmed at the Grace Lutheran Church in Mart, Texas at the age of 16. In 1961, he became a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bellmead where he served as a Sunday School teacher, Church Elder, and a Church Treasurer. He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Navy in which he graduated from the Aviation Electrician School and then served four years as an aviation airplane electrician receiving an honorable discharge. He then began in 1961 working for Owen Illinois Glass plant in the accounting office and later in the Corrugated Department and finally as Supervisor in the Warehouse Department retiring after 33 years. Although Darwin worked for Owen-Illinois, his love for farming never stopped. He was a farmer at heart-farming on the family farm and then on his own farm and raising cattle until his health stopped him from his love of farming.

Darwin is remembered for putting his family first. His wife's and children's needs always came before his needs. He was a dedicated husband and father and will be sorely missed not only by his wife and children but by his nephews and nieces who lovingly called him Unks.

Darwin was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Dietiker; his son, Darin Dietiker; his daughter and husband, Danae and James Pieri; granddaughters, Emelia and Ellison Pieri; his sister and husband, Norma and Weldon Hand; nephew, Brian Hand; nieces, Terri Lindsay, Julie Hahn and Heather Tindle; great-nephews and nieces.

Pallbearers are Jerome Lehrmann, David White, Gene Kuehl, Herbert Dougan, Ricky Lindsay and Bobby Hahn.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1301 Hogan Lane, Waco, Texas 76705 or to your favorite charity.

The family wishes to extend thanks and appreciation to the ICU Unit at Providence Hospital and to Providence Hospice Place for their care of Darwin and his family.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.bellmeadfuneralhome .com