Judson Lynn Hyatt

Judson Lynn Hyatt was born on September 8, 1930 to Macie and Gladys Hyatt in Gorman, Texas. Lynn joined his parents and big brother Joe, as they enjoyed life in Texas, living for many years on a 300 acre citrus farm. The family moved to McAllen, Texas where Lynn accepted the Lord as his Savior during his teen years. After he graduated from high school in McAllen, he began working in the family business, Hyatt Jewelry, alongside his dad and brother.

In 1949, Lynn met Miss LaRee Maciel when she visited McAllen with her parents. Sparks flew between them and in 1950, after Lynn joined the Navy and had gone to San Diego, CA for basic training, LaRee and her parents traveled there for his graduation from boot camp.

The next day, December 19, 1950, LaRee’s father married them in the home of a friend. On December 21 (LaRee’s birthday), Lynn shipped out to Hawaii. He arrived in Honolulu on Christmas Day and was there for several months, then sent to Guam for a year. After Lynn’s tour in Guam, he was sent back to Hawaii for ten months, where LaRee was able to join him.

In 1952, the Navy sent Lynn to Alameda, CA, to work on transport planes. He and LaRee lived in Oakland at which time LaRee began her career as an operator for the telephone company.

After Lynn was discharged from the Navy in August 1954, they went home to McAllen, where Lynn returned to work at the family jewelry store. Their two children, Doug and Mary Lynn, were also born there.

The family lived in McAllen until 1964, when they moved to Mill Valley, CA for a short time, then to Sunnyvale, CA when Lynn was hired by the post office as a mail carrier.

The next year, the family moved to Paradise, CA, then on to Chico, CA, when Lynn received a job transfer with the post office. Lynn retired in 1990 from the United States Postal Service while living in Chico.

Even though Lynn became a civil servant in the post office, he continued to be an expert watch and clockmaker, maintaining that craft into his 70s. Any home in which the Hyatts lived had to have room for his shop!

In 1992, Lynn and LaRee made the move to Yakima to be closer to their children and their families.

Lynn leaves his wife, LaRee (their 65th anniversary was December 19th); their children, Doug (Julie) and Mary Lynn; grandchildren, Kristen (Chris) Desgroseillier, Jeff (Tracy) Hyatt, Todd Stoothoff and Brian Stoothoff. He is also survived by his great grandchildren, Chloe, Sean and Baby Boy Desgroseillier (due next month).

Lynn’s brother Joe (Irene) Hyatt also survives him as well as many cousins and other shirt-tail relatives who Lynn loved corresponding with to find out more about their family history as well as reminiscing about the “good ole days.”

Serving his country was always a source of great pride for Lynn, evidenced by the fact that he wore his “U.S. Navy Veteran” cap most everywhere he went.

We all knew when dad had driven the car last, for the radio would always be tuned to the happy sounds of Mexican music, which he had loved since he was a child, growing up in south Texas.

A note from Doug and ML:

Dad, we thank you for always loving and supporting us. We’ll never forget the countless good times we had fishing, camping and traveling. We love you and we’ll make sure to take care of mom.

We do not grieve as those who have no hope - 1 Thessalonians 4:13

We will honor and remember Lynn at a Memorial Service on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Open Bible Christian Center located at 2701 W. Lincoln Ave. in Yakima. There will be a potluck immediately following the service.

To share a memory of Lynn, please visit www.lepfuneralhome.com.