Tributes

Donald Elliott Hyatt, Sr. was the sixth child born to Amanda Geneva and George Hyatt in Anderson, Indiana on October 10, 1936. He received his heavenly crown on June 18, 2021, surrounded by his loving wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Donald accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by Pastor Charles B. Dailey at Second Baptist Church in Anderson, Indiana. He would later serve as a deacon under Pastor Jerry William Dailey, the son of Charles B. Dailey, at Macedonia Baptist Church in San Antonio, TX. While at Macedonia, Deacon Hyatt also served as President of the Usher Board and as a leader of the Tribe of Dan. Donald later united with the Living Faith Community Church, under the leadership of Pastor Kevin Love, where he was a member of the Seniors Life Group and an integral part of the church’s expansion efforts. Donald joined the United States Air Force in 1954. While stationed at Kelly AFB in 1964, he met the love of his life, Thelma Gardley. The two married on June 27th of the same year and subsequently raised five children. After nearly 26 years of military service and several tours of duty with his family, Donald retired from the Air Force in 1980 as a Senior Master Sergeant. After retiring from the military, Donald attended St. Phillips College where he was trained in upholstery. In 1980, he started his own upholstery business, and was highly respected and sought after in the industry. Donald thoroughly enjoyed his craft, but he enjoyed meeting and connecting with his customers even more, many of whom later became his friends. Donald retired from his upholstery business in 2003 so that he could spend more time traveling with his bride, “road dog” and fellow sports enthusiast, Thelma. Donald loved spending time with his wife and when you saw one, you usually saw the other. Donald had a zest for life, a quick wit, and a hearty laugh. He never met a stranger and had the unique ability of connecting with people from all walks of life, often “picking up” children and grandchildren along the way. He was well loved by many and will be remembered for his unshakable faith, love and generosity. Donald is preceded in death by his beloved parents, as well as his siblings, Clara Belle Parks, George “Jeff” Hyatt, Jr., Edgar Hyatt, and Betty Ann Hunt. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Thelma Gardley Hyatt; children Rhonda Ponder (Eric), Myra Howell (Earl), Donald Hyatt, Jr. (Lori), Charlene Young (Cedric) and Steven Hyatt; sisters Mary Etta Rayford (Joe), Carolyn Hyatt; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Donald Elliott Hyatt Sr.

October 10, 1936 - June 18, 2021