Jerald Walton Hyde

Jerald Walton Hyde, our dear Dad succumbed to the cancer that invaded his gentle body on Saturday Oct 27, 2007 with his devoted and loyal wife, Beth, of 49 years right by his side. On November 27, 1931 ? the day after Thanksgiving ?Jerald was the third child of nine born to proud parents, Alvin Carlisle Hyde and Leona Walton in Auburn Wyoming. Dad was raised in simple circumstances and learned at a young age the meaning and value of hard work. He graduated from Star Valley High School and ventured out to pursue his young dream of flying and soon after joined the Air Force. Although he never realized this dream he realized an even greater one when he found the love of his life, Vera Beth Erickson, and they were married on May 31, 1957. They later solemnized their marriage for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple. He worked for Greyhound Bus as a driver for more than 30 years. Dad was a High Priest in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many callings including the Elders Quorum and High Counsel. He also found much joy serving as a counselor in the Bishopric with great men at his side. Dad and Mom were proud to serve together in the newly opened Billings, Montana Temple. His favorite days were with all his children and grandchildren surrounding him for picnics and reunions. As his children we honor our father?s dedication to his family first and then his church and career. He was an honest and tender father fiercely loyal and concerned with his wife and children?s best welfare. Few people knew that he possessed an incredible gift of expression. Through carefully chosen words, eloquence and emotion, he expressed all the most precious thoughts in his heart. His poetry is his legacy and his gift to his posterity. We will miss him for now and know that we will be together forever as a family. Till we meet again Jerald was survived by his wife Vera Beth Erickson, five children; Wendy Reay, Julie Dietz Craig, Caryn Kesler Gordon, Dan J. Hyde Carrin and Cheryl Neves Marc. 26 grandchildren, 2 of which are currently serving full time missions, and 20 great grandchildren with 2 more on the way. Dad is preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters Lois and Lu, and an infant brother Arden. The constant care and devotion our dear Mom showed to our Dad through his greatest trial and his enduring love and gratitude in return, has been an incredible example to those of us who loved them both. We will never forget. The family will bid Dad a fond farewell at Funeral Services on Friday Nov 2, 2007 at the 3rd Ward Chapel 640 N. 200 E. Smithfield, Utah at 11:00am. A viewing will be held immediately preceding the services from 9:00am to 10:45am. Services are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Home. Interment will take place at approx. 4:00pm at the Auburn Cemetery in Star Valley Wyoming. As a veteran of the Armed Forces military honors will be present. Condolences may be sent to www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .