James E. Hyatt

Jim was born on Dec. 2, 1930 in Cleveland, OK to Edd “Shorty” and Mabel Hyatt. Jim, a Christian man, lived a blessed life with many friends and loved ones. Jim served in the United States Navy for 8 years, then as a reserve Seabee for 32 years. Jim served in both Korea and Vietnam. As a civilian, he worked for Concho Construction as a heavy duty operator and master mechanic, later forming his own company, L&L Fleet Service. As a young man, he began a love affair with golf as a caddy in Bethany, where he grew up. He continued playing 18 holes with friends at Fountainhead and John Conrad Golf Courses until recent years. Jim resided most of his life in Warr Acres, but also enjoyed many years of retirement at his lake house in Eufaula and RV’ing across the country. Jim was preceded by his parents; his brothers Charlie and Jack; his sisters Juanita, Marie, Betty, and Lula May; and his first wife, Lettie Jo and daughter Jamie. Jim is survived by his second wife, Janice; his son Bill Hyatt and daughter-in-law Ava; step-children, Brett Rice and Julie Shannon; grand-children, Sammie Jo Hyatt, Talon Hyatt, Amber Hyatt, Josephine Shannon and Madeline Shannon; and great-grandchildren Cash Hyatt and Adeline Hyatt. Services will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, October 23 at Bill Merritt Funeral Home in Bethany, with visitation on Sunday from 2:00- 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to NWPGR (Patriot Guard Riders of Oklahoma), or charity of choice.