Richard E. Hyser

Throughout his entire lifes journey, even when facing his last moments, Richard Hyser carried himself with honor, dignity, and high moral character. He was never one to worry about what he had; rather, he focused his days on living fully in each moment he was given. Rick had a fun-loving and witty personality that shined through in everything he did, which made him so much fun to be around. Guided by an unwavering faith, he lived to serve others whether his family, his community, or his country. When Rick loved, he loved with all his heart, and it was easy to see that he viewed his beloved family as his most priceless treasure. Taken from his loved ones too soon, he leaves behind a timeless legacy that will remain alive and well in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him.

It seems only fitting that Ricks journey began during a time that was as vibrant at he was. It was the Nifty Fifties when rock n roll colored our cultural fabric, televisions were becoming part of our homes, and Elvis was king. Rosa Parks set the stage for the advancement of civil rights when she refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus, and by the end of the decade we had added both Alaska and Hawaii as our 49th and 50th states. Amidst this eventful time was a time of great anticipation for Robert R. Hyser and Wilma (Love) Hyser-Clark as fall was beginning to settle on the small town of Whitley County, Indiana, in 1954 as they were awaiting the birth of their new baby. The big day finally arrived on September 23rd when the baby boy they named Richard E. drew his first breath. He was one of one of six children in his family, joined by his sisters, Beverly, Barbara, and Liana, and his brothers, Donald and Kenny.

In many ways Rick was a young man of his generation. He looked like the typical teenager, too, with long hair, and he also listened to both rock and country music. Rick loved arguing with his sister, Barb, about making his bed as she wanted it made with crisp, tight fitting sheets while he was content just straightening the covers and bedspread. He finally came to appreciate her way, and he always said that this trained him well for the Army. Rick attended local schools, graduating from Columbia City Joint High School in 1971.

After high school, Rick entered the United States Army as a young man of 17. He ended up devoting the following 23 years to his country in this way. Of course he was full of stories from this time in his life. One in particular was when he was supposed to be on guard duty but instead went back into his barracks and sat down on the bed. The next thing Rick remembered was his commanding officer asking him what he thought he was doing and what would he have done if his quarters had caught fire. To this Rick replied, Run like hell with everybody else! That got him a couple weeks of menial tasks, but it was a perfect reflection of Ricks fun-loving wit.

Following his time in the service, Rick returned to civilian life once again. He spent nine years working for ITT of Chicago, Illinois, before retiring. In addition, Rick was a member of the American Legion Post 98 and the Eagles since 1960 as well as the D.A.V. He was also a past member of Boy Scouts Troop 80. A man of faith, Rick attended West Point Trinity United Methodist Church. In his free time, Rick enjoyed watching football and rooting for the Chicago Bears. He found such contentment in the companionship of his pug dog, Emmett, who sat with Rick in his chair and was always by his side. As someone who took great pride in serving the country he loved, he had an extensive collection of eagles that began shortly after he retired from the military. As his family and friends can attest, Rick had dance moves like no other and loved dancing with his family and friends.

Rick and his loved ones were given a tough pill to swallow when he had a stroke which left him unable to swallow. Just like everything else in his life, he faced this head on with both strength and courage. He was so grateful for his sister, Liana, who diligently drove him to his many doctor appointments. Rick held fast to his faith and looked forward to meeting Jesus as he said that he planned on bowing down at the first moment he saw his Savior. While under hospice care he appreciated his sisters tending to his needs, and while giving him sips of water and tomato juice Rick asked them for pop. After being told they didn't have any, he told them, PEPSI, get it now.

When reflecting on the life of Richard Hyser, words such as diligent, hardworking, and loving come to mind. He was generous, giving, and compassionate toward others with unending love for his family. A blessing to those around him, Rick will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Richard E. Hyser, of Columbia City, Indiana, died at 3:48 a.m. Friday, January 2, 2015, at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. Ricks family includes his companion, Debbie K. Cochran of Columbia City; daughters, Angela and Nicole Hyser of Fort Wayne; step-children, Shawna Burt of Chicago, IL, Christopher Bonnel of Old Hickory, TN, John Prater of Hilton Head, SC, and Stephanie Barger of Garrett; grandson, Antoine Washington of Chicago, IL; sisters, Beverly (Larry) Brandom of Columbia City, Barbara (Steve) Lalone of Columbia City, and Liana (John) Clevenger of South Whitley; sister-in-law, Nancy Love of Columbia City; and several grandchildren, step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Rick was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald Love and Kenny D. Hyser; sister-in-law, Alice Hyser; and nephew, David Love.

Visitation is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2015, at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2015, at the DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home with Certified Funeral Celebrant Sharon Brockhaus officiating with burial at Greenhill Cemetery. Military Honors will be rendered by the Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Hyser to Wounded Warrior Project or Riley Childrens Foundation.