Oliver Luke Dynes

Oliver Luke Dynes, of Newark, passed away on April 5, 2025, at the age of 42.  Born in Heidelberg, Germany, to Jane Luke and Russ Dynes, he was a thriving and happy child until, at age 3, he experienced a rare, catastrophic seizure caused by an intractable seizures, known as Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), that took over his life and those of his family.  Over the next 12 to 15 years, Oliver was challenged by numerous seizures, hospitalizations, and experimental medical treatments.  Thankfully, he had access to federal drug trials and university research centers.  Like almost all LGS children, he was developmentally affected and lost educational time.

It wasn’t LGS, however, that took Oliver’s life.  It was the onset of a glioblastoma brain tumor, Stage IV, that landed him in UPennMedicine on Christmas Eve.   In spite of brain surgery with proton therapy and rehabilitation, he succumbed to the cancer within a little more than three months.  Both LGS and glioblastoma are considered rare and catastrophic.

Despite his disability, Oliver was easy going, cheerful, and funny.   He loved helping others.   His special interests were the Marvel characters and other superhero stories or movies.  He knew their civilian names, their history, and their special powers.  He loved music, mostly rap and rock.  He loved and played video action games.  From his Bancroft group home, he would walk to Main Street in Newark with his house buddy, Ken.   He loved hanging out with his parents, who took him to many cultural events.  He traveled to Germany, Egypt, and Italy.  His last vacation with his parents was on a New Orleans Jazz Cruise, which he paid for himself.

Oliver lived a good life that included 16 years working for the Middletown Walmart as a Cart Associate.  He loved his job and the employees.  The customers knew him.  He was very proud of his work there.  He graduated from Newark High School and the University of Delaware CLSC two-year program for adults with cognitive disabilities.  He was also a member of Totally Awesome Players with the Delaware Theater Company and Special Olympics.

Oliver is survived by his parents: Jane Luke and Russ Dynes and many aunts, uncles and cousins from NYC to Richmond, Virginia to Chicago.

A private service for Oliver will be held on June 14 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Newark, 420 Willa Road, DE from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.  An obituary and photos are with Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home Service.  In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Lennox-Gastaut Foundation. Visit www.lgsfoundation.org and click on the “Give Now” button.