Charles Henry Hyer

Charles Henry Hyer looked at life with humor, honesty, kindness, and grace. He passed away at his home after a lengthy illness. His grandfather and namesake was the founder of the Hyer Boot Company of Olathe, Kansas. Charles grew up in Olathe, the eldest son of Albert Edward Hyer and Edith Constance Frye. Through his parent’s lineage, Charles was connected to many important Olathe businesses including the First National Bank of Olathe, the Frye Funeral Home and, of course, the Hyer Boot Company where he served as Office Manager until the business was sold in the late 1960’s.

Eventually Charles found a home as a Trust Officer at Columbia Union Bank and later at United Missouri Bank, both in downtown Kansas City. As a Trust Officer he “enjoyed being of service to people both in economics and in a personal way.” He retired in 2002.

In high school, Charles was an avid tennis and golf player, but after getting a concussion during an Olathe High football game, he concluded the wiser course of action was to become a cheerleader for the team rather than a player. He also enjoyed studying math, history, physics, chemistry, and music. He played bass clarinet in the band, worked on the school newspaper, served on the debate team, and played on an outstanding, diverse volleyball team.

Charles then attended the University of Kansas and became a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. That association proved very important to him and he served as a Sigma Nu advisory member for many years after graduating with a degree in business.

The Korean War began while he was in college and upon graduation, Charles joined the Navy. He became a Chief Petty Officer in charge of disbursements, leading a staff of 35 sailors. While some of his duties involved mundane things like going ashore to barter with the locals for eggs, Charles did see some action in the Far East. One of his duties was to procure funds from banks in various ports to pay the sailors. He was usually accompanied to and from the ship by two sturdy bodyguards to ensure safe transport of the cash. However, at one port in the Philippines, Charles exited the bank with the money only to find his body guards had run off to find the nearest den of iniquity. No doubt Charles saw not only the challenge, but also absurdity of the moment. He made his way back through the dangerous, crowded streets carrying two hefty bags stuffed with enough cash to pay all the sailors working on an aircraft carrier. He probably did so with a sly smile and humming something from a favorite opera. This was going to make for a good story later.

Charles was usually a quiet man; so it’s interesting to note that all the organizations in which he participated (usually in leadership positions), meant he was required to do a lot of talking. He was the Charter President of the Olathe Sertoma Club, which raised funds for the Boys Scouts. He was a member of the Toastmasters Club, which was all about speechmaking. He often served as a supernumerary for the Lyric Opera.

Charles loved opera but fortunately, he wasn’t allowed to sing. Singing was not one his gifts. He even served as the President of the German-American Citizens Association (GACA) which involved speeches in other languages! Fortunately, at the GACA gatherings, there was usually a good Polka band so he could dance with his lovely wife, Ingrid.

Charles met Ingrid Wagner on a blind date arranged by friends. They married on September 1, 1951, while Charles was studying for his law degree at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. By the time he graduated they had produced a young daughter, who promptly stuffed his diploma in her mouth. Charles and Ingrid were married for 64 years before his passing. They had three children, two of which survive him. Their middle child, David, had severe disabilities and passed away in 1971. His daughter Cynthia and her husband Martin English live in Kansas City. His other son Pete took excellent care of his father in his last years and resides in the home. Pete has two sons, David and Brandon. David Hyer and his partner Jeanette Rangel live with their two young sons, Leo and Ace in Olathe. Brandon Hyer is serving in the Army and currently lives in Fayetteville, North Carolina with his wife Julia and their infant daughter Amelia.

Charles will be missed by all who he has left behind. He would want you know that his favorite horse was named ‘Hoof-Hearted.’ Say it out loud. Feel free to laugh.