Randal 'Randy' Eldon Hyde

Randal “Randy” Eldon Hyde, son of the late John W. and Bertha (Cain) Hyde, was born on September 1, 1930 in Paragould, Arkansas, and departed this life on December 31, 2010 at his residence in Mtn. Grove, Missouri. He was 80 years, 3 months, and 29 days of age.

Randy grew up and attended school in Arkansas. Randy was united in marriage to Helen Nimmo on June 2, 1951 in Houston, Missouri. Four children were born to this union. He served his country in the United States 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.

Randy was an avid fisherman and always enjoyed a little spirited competition with his friends and family, seeing who could catch the first fish, the biggest fish, and the most fish. If you were in the back of the boat, then he was sure to win. He also loved music and played the bass guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin, piano, and tried his hand at the 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.

Randy was employed by the Missouri Highway Patrol and retired after seventeen years. He was a longtime member of the First Free Will Baptist Church in Mtn. Grove and enjoyed attending services as long as his health permitted.

Randy was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. He will be truly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Hyde, on January 4, 2008; three brothers: Orlen, Elvie, and Melvin Hyde; and by two sisters: Velma Hairell and Selma Cooper.

He is survived by two sons: Ronald Hyde and his wife, Terri, of Mtn. Grove and David Hyde of Mtn. Grove; two daughters: Loretta Craft and her husband, Paul, of Jefferson City, Missouri and Dianna Skyles and her husband, David, of Mtn. Grove; one sister: Grace Fields of Paragould, Arkansas; nine grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and other relatives, church family, and friends.


Funeral Services: Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 2:00 PM in the First Free Will Baptist Church, 401 S. Main Mtn. Grove.

No Formal Visitation:Friends may call at their convenience in the funeral home from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Monday.

Burial: Hillcrest Cemetery with full military honors.

Contributions: First Free Will Baptist Church c/o the funeral home