Charles Kenneth Hyde

Charles Kenneth Hyde, age 87, died on April 19, 2025, in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Charles was born on July 25, 1937, in Springfield, Missouri to Charles Dillard and Bernice Elmore Hyde.  After a colorful childhood in Niangua, Charles moved to Marshfield and graduated from Marshfield High School in 1955.  It was there that he met his wife, Bette Edwards.  Charles was awarded a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy (now Missouri S&T) in 1958.  While in college, Charles was in ROTC and served in the U.S. Army for 6 months following graduation.

Charles and Bette were married in 1958.  They lived a short time in Washington, D.C. while Charles served in the Army, then traveled together to Anderson, Indiana where Charles worked for Delco Remy, a Division of General Motors until 1973.  Charles then worked as Plant Manager for Emerson Electric in Kennett, Missouri until 1984.  He then moved to the Plant Manager position in Rogers, Arkansas, until he transferred to the St. Louis Specialty Motor Division, retiring in 1999.

Wherever Charles lived, he was involved in the community.  He served as PTA President, Chamber of Commerce President, and Lions Club President.  He was on the School Board and served on his local Homeowner's Association.  He was also active in his church and shared his love of God by singing in the choir, serving as a deacon, and teaching Sunday School. Charles loved all sports and shared that love by coaching his sons in youth basketball and baseball.  Always a strong math student, Charles reluctantly coached his daughters in math every night at the kitchen table.  All five of his children were taught life lessons at every opportunity and were given "free advice" as adults.

Charles is survived by his wife Bette, their five children, 9 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.  He will be honored at a private family graveside service and will be laid to rest at the Marshfield Cemetery.  Memorials in his honor may be made to the American Lung Association or Hope Cancer Resources in Springdale, Arkansas.