Harley Wayne Hyde, 76, of Columbia, passed away on Jan. 27, 2021. He was born to Tilford and Edith Hyde on Sept. 1, 1944. He graduated from Hickman High School in Columbia, in 1963. Harley married Judith (Lee) Hyde on Aug. 9, 1963.
Harley worked a variety of jobs throughout his life, including Hays Hardware, Newberry’s, Phillips Electric, Boone County Oil, and MFA Bulk Plant. He described his life experience as “jack of all trades and master of none.” His life-long passion and career began Dec. 12, 1971 with the Columbia Fire Department until his retirement as a Fire Engineer on Jan. 5, 2001. He continued to remain close with his fellow firefighters and stopped by routinely to visit, drink coffee or meet up for breakfast after completion of their shift, until recently due to his declining health. All while working with the Columbia Fire Department he worked during his days off at Koonse Glass, Tommy Lee Construction Company as a plumber, and March Heating and Air Conditioning. He also helped found the North Callaway Volunteer Fire Department in 1980 and served as chief until his retirement in 2012. Although he retired in 2012 you could still find him at the firehouse daily, his role had officially changed but his passion to serve the fire district and his beloved community never did. The lives he changed are countless!
Outside of his passion for his service with the fire departments, he immensely loved his family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He carried pictures with him and loved showing them off to everyone along while sharing stories about them. Harley loved telling stories, jokes, and was always quick-witted.
Harley is preceded in death by his parents, Tilford Hyde and Edith (Melloway) Hyde; one sister, Beatrice (Hyde) Voyles; three brothers, David Hyde, Clarence Hyde, and Cecil Hyde; one son, Ronald Wayne Hyde.
Harley is survived by his wife, Judith (Lee) Hyde; children, Patricia (Hyde) Fischer and husband, Donald of Fulton, Scott (Chelsey) Hyde of Okinawa, Japan; Eight Grandchildren, Brandi (Fischer) Hassien and spouse, Joe, Ashley (Fischer) Hoer and spouse, Ben, Haylee (Fischer) Middaugh and spouse, Ryan, Abigail Fischer, Nathan Hyde-Burton and fiancé’, Courtney Lewis, Jonathon Hyde-Burton, Christopher Hyde, Jason Hyde; Four great grandchildren with another on the way: Brylinn Terry, Joseph Hassien, Jordynne Hassien, Gannon Hoer, and baby Middaugh. One sibling, Jacquetta (Hyde) Merriott and spouse, Rolla; numerous nieces and nephews; two wonderfully close friends and former colleague fire fighters, James (Kelly) Jones and Gene (Mary) Windmiller.
Visitation will be Wednesday, Feb. 3, from 11 a.m to 1 p.m., with the funeral following at 1 p.m.
Services will be held at 54 Country, 400 Gaylord Dr., Fulton with a procession and motorcade to Memorial Park Cemetery, 1217 Business Loop 70 W, Columbia. Harley specifically requested that everyone in attendance
dress casual and comfortably, and to come prepared to share stories. COVID-19 protocol will be followed for the ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the North Callaway Volunteer Fire Department or the FireFighter Memorial in Kingdom City.
