Robert L. Hyatt

Robert Lee Hyatt (Bob), 91, of Fort Smith, AR, died Sunday, February 12, 2023. He was born October 17, 1931, in Monticello, AR. He was a 1949 graduate of Hope High School. Bob attended Arkansas College and graduated from Austin College in Sherman, TX, in 1953. He earned his M.A. in Education in 1956 at the University of Arkansas. In 1957 he graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA. That same year he began his career as a Presbyterian minister with his first church in Augusta, AR, commencing his 60 plus years of service as a pastor in Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas, and Louisiana.

Bob married Patricia Susan Bass of North Little Rock, AR, in December of 1962. He and Pat were married for 47 years. Wherever they lived, they enjoyed meeting new people and immersing themselves into the different cultures, from the dry plains of western Texas to the swamps of southern Louisiana. With maybe a glass of wine in hand, they loved to relax on their back porch in the evening and talk about the day’s events.

Bob was an avid nature lover, bird-watcher, Razorback fan, and loved classical music, especially the organ. He was a champion of the underdog both in sports and life in general. He enjoyed vacationing at the gulf coast with his family and friends. He admired the power and awe of a West Texas thunderstorm, as well as the gentle rains of the Smoky Mountains. He thought education was of utmost importance, and he was a model for humility and gentleness.

He is preceded in death by his wife Pat, brother Dr. Ben Hyatt from Perryville, AR, and sister Effie Frazier from Hope, AR.

He is survived by brother Charles Hyatt of Tupelo, MS (wife Joy), son Martin Hyatt of Fort Smith, AR, (wife Jacinda), son Tommy Hyatt of Rowlett, TX (wife Melissa), and 5 grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday, Feb.17, from 5-7 pm at Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith, AR.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 pm, Saturday, Feb.18, at CentraI Presbyterian Church, Fort Smith. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central Presbyterian Church, 2901 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901.