Gene Elbert Hyatt Sr., of Fairview Heights, Illinois, was born on September 25, 1935, in East St. Louis, Illinois. He passed away peacefully at home on January 30, 2026, at the age of 90, surrounded by his loving family and fortified by his faith.
Gene devoted his life to hard work and providing for those he loved. He began his career with Turner Electric and later founded several successful businesses, including Hyatt Construction, where he proudly worked alongside his sons. He concluded his long and respected career in construction with L. Keeley Construction, following many years of dedicated service.
Gene cherished time spent with his family, whether at home or at their clubhouse in Keyesport. In his later years, he especially enjoyed weekly lunches with his friends, a tradition that brought him great joy and fellowship. Throughout his life, Gene also took great pride in barbecuing for his family, a simple pleasure that brought everyone together. A devoted Catholic, he lived his faith through quiet strength, prayer, and service, trusting in the promises of Jesus Christ. He was known for his strong work ethic, deep love of family, and steady, faithful presence in the lives of all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Elbert Hyatt; his mother, Thelma Hyatt (née Curry); his son, Robert Hyatt; and his daughter, Christine Meehan.
Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, JoAnn Hyatt (née Weissert); his brother, David Hyatt (Linda); and his children: Steven Hyatt (Davina), Gene “Pete” Hyatt Jr. (Lori), Cynthia Hyatt, Kathleen Kurowski (Daniel), Douglas Hyatt (Judi), Clara “Cissy” Harrison (William), Keri Hyatt (Jeremy Ward), and Edwin “Eddie” Hyatt (Brendan Karvelat).
He is also survived by 30 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be held at Lake View Memorial Funeral Home in Fairview Heights, Illinois, on Thursday, February 5, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Stephen’s Church in Caseyville, Illinois, on Friday, February 6 at 10:00 a.m.
Donations in Gene’s memory may be made for Masses at St. Stephen’s Church in Caseyville, Illinois, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
