

He was a machinist by trade and an avid gardener. He worked for several companies as a master machinist then started his own small successful business so he could be his own boss and would not have people telling him how to do his job. He grew up on a farm and always liked to have his hands in the dirt. He was out tilling up his vegetable garden every spring, hauling in compost and taking care of his plants. Fussed at the deer and squirrels that also enjoyed the fruits of his labor. When he got into his early 90s and could no longer till the garden, he had raised container gardens. At one time he also tended bee hives for several years. He was a handy man and enjoyed working with his hands.
He was a man of faith and a member of various Methodist churches, including Hillcrest in Houston, Rosehill in Tomball and First Methodist Church of Splendora, formerly Countryside Methodist in Splendora. He was in the church choir for many years and also helped in their food bank before moving to Tyler, TX. He was a lifelong Mason at the Melrose Lodge #1294 in Houston, TX and had recently received his 65-year pin and recognition.
He entered the Navy in January 1944. He served 2 years on the aircraft carrier the USS Enterprise CV-6 and saw combat while on board. He was discharged on June 6, 1946. He received several commendations during his service. He was proud of his service during the war and was interviewed by a group from the Smithsonian at a reunion for the crew of his ship on a trip to The Admiral Nimitz Museum in Fredricksburg, TX. They were taping stories of the servicemen who had been on the ship for their records in Washington, DC. He was humbled that they cared and wanted to hear the stories.
He moved to Houston, TX after leaving the Navy where he met and married Flossie May Dishman on December 7, 1946. She preceded him in death on January 16, 2014. He is survived by their 5 children: Roberta Drennan and her husband Robert of Splendora, TX, Cindy Hyde and her partner Cindy McCullough of Houston, TX, Karen Cook of Carrollton, TX, Sharon Vick and her husband Bill of Carrollton, TX, and Susan Stanhope of Magnolia, TX. There are 9 grandchildren: Matthew, Amy, Diane, Becky, Pam, Chris, Scott, LeeAnn and Robert, 16 great-grandchildren: Rachel, Kayla, Katie, Michael, Kristen, Natasha, Jessica, Brittany, Sarah, Emily, Cody, Madison, Caleb, Autumn, Diego, Nicole and Emily, 2 great-great step grandchildren, Alez and Emily.
Services will be held at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.
A visitation for Robert will be held Tuesday, August 15, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Earthman Resthaven, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, August 15, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060. A committal will occur Tuesday, August 15, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060.
Serving as pallbearers are Matthew Drennan, Robert Drennan, Robert Stanhope, Joe Clemont, Bill VIck and Chris Broughton.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.earthmanresthavenfuneralhome.com for the Hyde family.
PALLBEARERS
Matthew DrennanActive Pallbearer
Robert DrennanActive Pallbearer
Robert StanhopeActive Pallbearer
Joe ClemontActive Pallbearer
Bill VIckActive Pallbearer
Chris BroughtonActive Pallbearer
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