Johnnie Bob Hyman

Johnnie Bob Hyman was born on December 14, 1932 to Russell and Gladys (Pierce) Hyman in Beloit, Kansas.

As a child, he loved to play baseball and go fishing, which continued through his life. As a young man he worked for several farmers until being drafted in January of 1952. He took basic training at Fort Riley with the 87 ^th Infancy, Regimental 10 ^th Division. After basic training, he went to Korea where he served in the 5 ^th Regimental Combat Team. He was seriously wounded by enemy fire and spent 4.5 months recovering, in an Army Hospital. After recovering, he completed his military service operating heavy equipment with the 714 ^th Traffic Railway Battalion Division.

After completing his military service, he returned to Beloit and worked at constructing grain elevators. He worked for the Mitchell County Highway Department and the City of Beloit.

While on vacation, in 1959, he met Barbara Carver on a blind date. On February 14 ^th , 1960, they married in Elmo, MO.  The two celebrated 57 years of marriage earlier this year.

To this union son Bruce was born in 1962, and daughter Joni in 1966. In 1975 they purchased the Family Café, which they operated until John retired, due to health issues.

He spent time with friends visiting over coffee and fishing countless hours on area lakes. Johnnie's military and patriotism were extremely important to him. He received the Combat Infantry Badge, United Nations Korean Ribbon, National Defense, Sing Man Rhee Presidential Citation, and the Purple Heart. He was a Lifetime Member of VFW Post 6242 in Beloit, as well as several other military organizations. He served countless presentations with the VFW Color Guard, for more than 40 years. He took great pride in flying his flag, at his residence, every day and night.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother Jack, brother David and Tom, and sister Nancy. Survivors include wife Barbara of Beloit, son Bruce and wife Debra of Ellsworth and daughter Joni Heiland and Jon Thompson of Downs. Grandchildren Chad and wife Leah Hyman of Manhattan, Jared Hyman of Manhattan, Keegan Heiland and Fallyn Handley of Topeka, and great-granddaughter Eleanore Hyman of Manhattan.

Memorial services will be at 2 PM Wednesday, November 1 at the Beloit First United Methodist Church. Memorials may be given to the Church. Per his wishes, cremation was chosen & there will be no visitation. Following the memorial service, the family invites anyone to join them for fellowship and refreshments at the Church.