Richard Harrison Hyder "Dick"

Richard Harrison Hyder was born in Alameda, CA on Feb. 19, 1922. Growing up he and his brother John attended several different military schools in California before they moved to Excelsior Springs, MO in 1936. Dick Hyder was a superior athlete for Excelsior Springs High School and held several school track records for many years. He was in the inaugural class for the Gregg William’s Excelsior Springs’ Athletic Hall of Fame. His abilities earned him an athletic scholarship to William Jewell where he lettered four years in three sports-basketball, football, and track. He ended up being inducted into the William Jewell Athletic Hall of Fame as well. His college career was briefly interrupted by his service in the U.S. Navy on the battleship U.S.S. Missouri during World War II from January of 1944-March of 1946. He was honorably discharged but not before witnessing the signing of the Peace Treaty with Japan. When he returned from war he met his wife Dorothy, who he married on June 14, 1947. They welcomed their first and only child Tim Hyder on November 12, 1948. Throughout his career, Dick Hyder worked as a history teacher, a high school football and track coach, an Athletic Director, and a high school principal. His summers “off” were spent as a swim instructor, lifeguard, house painter, and cattle truck driver. He was a sports official at the high school and college level for basketball and football for 40 years. In the early 60’s he had the opportunity to officiate for basketball in the prestigious Big 8 Conference. Through his ties to college basketball, and because of his well-respected reputation in the officiating world, he was able to introduce his son to one of the up and coming greats at that time, Wilt Chamberlain. In his “retirement” he worked for 18 years supervising student teachers at Northwest Missouri State. In spite of his busy schedule, he always managed to find time to socialize, to have fun, and most importantly to spend time with his family. In 1986 he was blessed with a granddaughter from his son Tim, with whom he shared a very special relationship. He loved playing golf and was able to shoot his age into his late 80’s. Dick Hyder’s legacy was perfectly reflected by the over 100 people who attended his 90th birthday party; from former students, to neighbors, to fellow church members, to friends and family. At the age of 92, he was chosen for the Honor Flight and had the unique privilege to help decorate the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Though he came from humble beginnings, it seems nothing he did in his 95 years was short of extraordinary. People who knew him have spoken of his kindness, his incredible accomplishments, and there is no doubt those left behind hold him in the highest regard. On February 14, 2018 he passed on from this world and was finally reunited with his best friend and brother John. He is survived by his wife of over 70 years Dorothy, his devoted son Tim Hyder and his wife Becky, and his adoring granddaughter Elizabeth Page and her husband Mike. Also by his nieces and nephews: his namesake Dick Hyder, Ann Fisk, Patti Howarth, Jay Hyder, Mike Hyder, and Jay Ann Pulis. He was a positive influence in the countless lives he touched. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

The family wishes that "in lieu of" sending flowers and floral arrangements to honor Mr. Hyder, they would greatly appreciate you go to the link below and make a contribution to the Veteran's Association, as Mr. Hyder so honorably served his country and was very proud to have done so.

https://heroes.vfw.org/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1993&ea.campaign.id=49903&ea.tracking.id=homepage