Surrounded by family members, Jack Austin Hyde passed away peacefully at the Summer Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Beaumont Texas on July 3, 2018.  Jack was born on October 29, 1921 to Jasper Lee Hyde and Eugenia Josephine Hyde in Canton, Oklahoma and is preceded in death by his wife Virginia of 69 years and son Phillip.  His mother passed away when Jack was only 3 and was raised by grandparents George and Clara Hyde.  He was a resident of Groves, Texas since 1960.

Most of his early years were spent in Oklahoma, joining the Army in October of 1940.  His marriage to the love of his life on October 3, 1942 resulted in a loving and supportive family, including sons, Jerry, Ronald, David, Randy and the late Phillip Hyde; daughters Pamela Kingston and Cynthia Hyde; 18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Jack was a skilled carpenter but spent most of his working career as a salesperson in various capacities. His favorite hobby was woodworking for which he had the unique ability of making exceptional pieces from virtually nothing. His favorite Sunday afternoon past time, second only to watching football, was making furniture and knick-knacks for his house and his family. His grandchildren were the beneficiaries of his skilled craftsmanship.  He took great pride and pleasure in his work.  Jack also was musically gifted, he played numerous instruments from string to woodwinds and, while in the Army in World War II, he played in the army band. He appreciated all forms of music but had a particular love of classical music.   His musical talent was inherited from his grandfather and passed on to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. These passions were shared with his family throughout his life.  Jack was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 63 years and one of his proud achievements was obtaining the level of 32nd degree Mason.   He was a member of the Church of Christ for 75 years and most recently attended Park Central Church of Christ in Port Arthur, Texas.  Being truthful and honest to everyone was a hallmark of his personality with his favorite slogan being “a man is only as good as his word”.  He will be remembered and missed by his family, and all who knew him.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, July 10, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.; with a Celebration of Life Service to begin at 1:00 p.m. at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home, Port Arthur, Texas. Interment will follow at Memory Garden’s Cemetery, Nederland, Texas. Pallbearers include, Stephen Hyde, Jerad Hyde, Christopher Hyde, Christopher Gary, Keith Novicke and Reece Novicke.