Randal “Randy” Eldon Hyde, 80, died Friday, Dec. 31, 2010, at his home in Mountain Grove.
He was born Sept. 1, 1930, in Paragould, Ark., son of John W. and Bertha Cain Hyde. He and Helen Nimmo were married June 2, 1951, in Houston.
Randy grew up and attended school in Arkansas. He served with the Army in Germany and Korea and retired after more than 21 years of service. During the Korean War, he was wounded and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
He enjoyed fishing and music. He played the bass guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin, piano and fiddle. He was a member of the gospel group “Sounds of His Coming” for about four years. He also played with several other gospel and country bands throughout his life.
He was employed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and retired after 17 years.
He was a longtime member of First Free Will Baptist Church in Mountain Grove and enjoyed attending services as long as his health permitted.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen on Jan. 4, 2008; three brothers, Orlen, Elvie and Melvin Hyde; and two sisters, Velma Hairell and Selma Cooper.
Survivors include two sons, Ronald Hyde and David Hyde of Mountain Grove; two daughters, Loretta Craft of Jefferson City and Dianna Skyles of Mountain Grove; a sister, Grace Fields of Paragould, Ark.; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives, church family and friends.
Services were Tuesday, Jan. 4, at First Free Will Baptist Church with the Rev. Richard Loughridge and the Rev. Jerry Pinkerton officiating. Burial with full military honors was in Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made at www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.