Donald Gene Hyde

Lieutenant Colonel Donald Gene Hyde passed away peacefully in his sleep at Shannondale of Maryville on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at the age of 89. Don was born in Warren, OH on July 22, 1936 and attended Kent State University High School. He went on to further his education at Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland, Ohio. Upon graduating from college, Don entered the United States Air Force and served 20 years, flying three tours in Vietnam as a navigator. After retiring from the Air Force, Don accepted a teaching position at Chattanooga State Community College where he taught business and mathematics courses. He was committed to both of his careers through which he provided generously for his family.

Don loved music, especially jazz and swing. He was a drummer, and he passed those skills along to some of his sons. Don was active in the communities where he lived through the Lions Club, the Shriners, and the Gideons International. He loved watching game shows, sports, and television series, and he loved (and sometimes despised) the game of golf. However, the absolute love of his life was his wife, Reva Joyce Hyde. Together, they built a beautiful life, traveled the world, relished in the love of their grandchildren, and served generously in the communities where they lived. They were members at Signal Crest United Methodist Church on Signal Mountain, TN for 21 years, and then at Asbury United Methodist Church in Greeneville, TN for 20 years. In the last year and a half, they have been members at Bearden United Methodist Church, where their son, the Reverend Dr. Bradley Hyde, serves as senior pastor.

Don was preceded in death by Charles Hyde (Father), Elizabeth Hyde (Mother), Chuck Hyde (brother), Stephen Hyde (son), Sherry Hyde (daughter-in-law), and Kimberly Hyde (granddaughter). He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Reva Joyce Hyde, and his sons Kevin, Scott, and Bradley Hyde (Nicole). He is also survived by six grandchildren: Thomas Hyde (Kate Gordon), Samuel Hyde (Emily), Joshua Hyde, Sabrina Fults (Kevin), Christopher Hyde, Christine Hyde, 3 step-grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held at Bearden United Methodist Church on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 4 PM in the church’s sanctuary. The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 PM. The Rev. Mike Sluder will officiate the service. A private family internment will take place on Monday, December 29, 2025 at 8:30 AM at the East Tennessee Veteran’s Cemetery in Knoxville, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts and donations may be sent to Bearden United Methodist Church: 4407 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37919.