Hyde, Eldon Keith 1925-2012

HYDE, BURKLUND, HANSEN, MARTIN, WILKEN, BOHY

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 4/11/2024 at 17:25:19

Eldon Keith Hyde
1925 - 2012
Urbandale, IA

Eldon Keith Hyde of Urbandale died Monday, March 5, 2012 at his Wesley Acres residence with family at his side. His peaceful departure marked the end of a life filled with learning, exploration, teaching, building, service to others and friendship; he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

The boy known as Keith, youngest of nine children, was born at home to Garrison and Elda Hyde on December 29, 1925 in Loup County, Nebraska. He grew up farming with his father, and in his early years he learned how to problem-solve, how to mend what was broken, how to build and how to plan - skills he would enhance, employ and teach his entire life.

Before serving in the Army during World War II, Keith attended the University of Nebraska for a year. As a mechanic in the Army, he served in the Philippines. After an honorable discharge from the Army, Keith returned to the University of Nebraska and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture in 1951. His courtship of Marcia Ann Burklund culminated in their marriage on June 7th, 1952, and they began building their life together on a ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska. First Marcia, then Keith, taught school in Taylor, NE, before relocating to Cozad, NE, where Keith served as teacher of mathematics and high school principal. He continued his education and earned a Master's in Mathematics and a Doctorate in Education Administration from the University of Northern Colorado.

Keith and Marcia moved with their four children to Des Moines in 1968 when he began his career with Des Moines Public Schools as part of the Superintendent's Cabinet. Dr. Hyde served in a variety of roles throughout his 22 years with the District and earned respect as a thoughtful administrator, caring manager and student advocate.

In his time away from work, Keith enjoyed a wide variety of activities, most of which revolved around his workshop where a project was always underway. A partial list would include canoe building, engine repair, auto body repair and painting, fiberglass fabrication, sewing, fishing lure manufacturing, boat restoration, furniture building and wood turning. His work often became gifts for those around him, and he took great joy in sharing his talents with friends and family. When not in the workshop, he was often found with fishing pole in hand and took great pleasure in spending time on the water, especially when teaching children to fish. Keith and Marcia were members of Grace United Methodist Church and long-time members of the Win Sum Sunday School Class.

Following retirement, his interests and skills led him to service with Methodist Volunteers in Mission, NOMADS. Keith and Marcia's work as NOMADS led them to work projects throughout the Southern United States during the winter months. Keith served as volunteer coordinator for the upper Midwest for several years. Travel, gardening, fishing and time with grandchildren also filled his retirement years.

Left to carry on his legacy are his loving wife of 59 years, Marcia (Burklund) Hyde and four children: Douglas (Jeanette) Hyde, of Richardson, Texas; Linda (Greg) Hansen, of Altoona, Iowa; Neil (Alicia) Hyde of Urbandale, Iowa; and Sara (Jim) Martin of Johnston, Iowa. Keith is also survived by seven grandchildren: Mattia Hansen, Kelsey Hyde, Andrew Martin, Spencer Hyde, Katherine Hyde, Megan Martin and William Hyde; a sister, Lois Wilken of Kearney, Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews, in-laws, (a few outlaws), and scores of friends. He was preceded in death by brothers Henry, Gary, Dallas, Wayne and Donald Hyde; and sisters Mildred Hyde and Blanch Bohy.

An educator to the end, Keith donated his body to Des Moines University for purposes of medical study. Visitation and luncheon will be held on Sunday, March 11, at noon at Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove in Des Moines. A memorial service will follow at 1:30 p.m.

The family requests that memorials be directed to Grace United Methodist Church and NOMADS Missions in Christ.

Published by the Des Moines (IA) Register 08 March 2012.