Christopher Neil Hyde, son of Ted Hyde and Katie (Smith) Hoover, was born November 19, 1974, in Springfield, Missouri. He passed away December 30, 2014, in his home. Neil had recently turned 40.
From the moment Neil was born, to the end of his earthly adventure, he was larger than life. I’m not sure the world was big enough for him. Thanks be to God for him being saved at an early age. We all want to see each other again on the other side and being saved is the only way.
Neil liked making people laugh and he was definitely a rule bender. From his times in school at both Rogersville and Fair Grove, he left his mark with mischievous deeds.
Later, Neil grew to love museums, both stateside and all over the world. History became a passion and he watched endless documentaries. His intelligence level was off the charts. He cared about solar powered energy and recycling. At one point, he almost got a tattoo of the recycling emblem.
Neil loved his St. Louis Cardinals and had a passion for Mustangs as well as many other cars. One of his groups of friends, “The Bobs,” got together when they could. At their annual car show trip this year, Neil was so tired and sick, they had to take him to the hospital.
Neil was becoming an excellent photographer and loved doing panoramas. After making fun of his mother for taking over 600 pictures during a two week Hawaii trip, Neil came back from our one week Hawaii trip with over 400 of his own. Do the math, just sayin’…son.
His first road trip at age two or three was to California with his parents and brother, Shane. And his last road trip was with his best friend, sister Cheyenne. They journeyed through Wyoming to see Jackson Hole, Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone. Mt. Rushmore was the final adventure before heading home. It was nearing time for dialysis to start again.
Neil worked several jobs. Some were: convenience store clerk, Wal-Mart, Colonial Bread Company, and finally, the Springfield Airport. How appropriate since he enjoyed people and loved to travel. He acquired an airport family of co-workers that were special to him.
From climbing Mt. Fuji with Dawson, to Cabo with Brickman, he also had many trips with Tim, and even a couple trips with an Australian mate. Neil loved to go (like grandpa). All his trips were eventful, but one particular trip scared us to death. While exploring, he was surrounded by five men, robbed and stabbed. By the grace of God’s love, Neil made it to the airport. Once he knew he was safe, he sent a message, “All in all, I’ll have to give Argentina a thumbs down. “ True Neil fashion.
Neil always, and I mean always, waited until the last minute to do things. From elementary to college, that last minute crunch was his thing. Neil was a junior at MSU. His course of study was in logistics and he was planning a career to work in a large airport. Atlanta was mentioned, but after another trip to Hawaii, he thought that might work even better.
Last call for passenger Neil Hyde. Doors are closing for the flight to Heaven. Mr. Hyde, your first class seat and mimosa await you.
Neil is survived by his father, Ted Hyde; his mother, Katie Hoover, and long-time step-father, Larry Hoover; one brother, Shane Terrill, and wife Alysha; one sister, Cheyenne Ward, and husband Andy. He is also survived by his former wife, Glenda (Hyde) Haddock; several aunts, uncles, cousins and three nieces; a beloved Grandma Ruby and there are just too many special friends to mention.
In Neil’s honor, please feel free to pick one or all of the following:
1. Get saved.
2. Recycle.
3. Donate an organ or blood.
4. Live life.
- Lovingly written by Neil’s mom, Katie Hoover
Visitation is Friday, January 2, 2015 from 6:00 to 7:00 at the funeral home.
Services will be January 3, 2015 at 11:00 am at the funeral home.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Kidney Foundation in care of the funeral home.