My PaPa (pronounced Paw-Paw) Fred R. Hyatt 1924-2010: A Man of Honor

I felt the need to post this for anyone who couldn't attend to hear it in person last Thursday. If any of you didn't know my grandfather, this is a great description of what a wonderful person he was and is.


Our father was a man from “The Greatest Generation." No truer words have ever been spoken than to refer to these men in this manner. They were but mere children when they were sent to defend our country. There wasn’t any hiding or running from their responsibilities…nor did they want to shirk their duty. They faced it head-on, and Daddy was no exception. He was a POW in Germany with many heart-wrenching stories to tell as well as a few humorous ones thrown in for good measure. He was very proud to have served his country and continued to be proud all of his life.

If any of you are familiar with Steele, then no doubt you have seen the flag flying in the center of town. Up until a few years ago, Daddy raised and lowered that flag every day without fail; but only if the weather was appropriate. Many times he could be seen walking through pouring rain to take that flag down. When he was no longer able to take care of, what was to him the most important aspect of his day, the mayor and council had the flagpole moved to the center of the park and lighted so the flag could remain flying. He will always be our hero….

There are many adjectives that could be used when remembering or speaking of our father…stern, humorous, talented, generous, opinionated, hard-nosed, soft-hearted, loyal, stubborn, Republican, patriot, complicated & the list could be endless. But above all else we would describe him as a Man of honor. He was a complex man on some levels but lived his life in simplicity. Most people are not aware that he only had a 7th grade education or that he was an artist in addition to playing banjo & piano. But if you ever had a discussion with him, you were acutely aware that he was a man of great intelligence. He was introduced to the world of computers in his late seventies. He continued to play games on the internet, without assistance, until his death. Yes, most likely, you would disagree with a lot of his views; but he dearly loved to argue his points...almost as much as he loved his country…

By no means was he a saint. Growing up in his household was very complicated to say the least. On one hand, you would cringe when he walked in the door angry; but on the other he could be as gentle as a child. He had four children…each two years apart. So I am sure it was quite the challenge for him.

One of many fond memories is the story about the M & M’s. We did not have many luxuries, such as store-bought candy, growing up. But on Fridays when he got paid, he would buy two packs. Keep in mind, he had four children. You can imagine what a fight this brought on every Friday. We would pour the candy out in a pile so we could divide them equally. But usually there was only one or two red ones. So the fighting would begin. Later in life, we came to the opinion that he did this on purpose just to see us argue over the red ones or who got more, etc. Or maybe he just didn’t have the money for four packs. But either way, we survived. We never went hungry; although I suspect he and mother did at times. They would do whatever was necessary to provide for us. When there was no work, she would take in ironing; and he would mow grass at the cemetery. The same one where Mom was laid to rest in 1983 and where he will be laid to rest today…

He grew up in a blended family of thirteen children on a farm in St. Clair County. His uncle offered him what is today “Horse Pens 40” if he would come and help him with his farm. He declined….we never let him forget that one. But possessions and wealth were never his goal in life. He wanted enough to be comfortable and have enough to share with his children.

During the years that he owned H & H Supply in Steele, it was not unusual for him to bring someone in the store that needed gas or food but had no means to pay. He would give them what they needed and send them on their way. He was also known to have gone to the school when the weather turned cold and find out which children did not have warm coats and proceed to buy what was needed. He did not do this to put on a show or for praise. He did this because he remembered being hungry and cold, both in childhood and during the war. As was stated earlier, he was definitely a puzzle because he could be generous to a fault and at the same time want to hold onto a rusty nail if he thought he would use it one day down the line.

Growing up, animals were always a part of our household. He could never turn away a stray or an injured animal. We’ve had everything from a flying squirrel to a robin named “Ruffles.” I’ve heard him say many times that he should have been a veterinarian, and he was probably right. Over the past 15 years or so, he has had parakeets. And I don’t mean a pair! There are roughly 40-45 at last count. He would never entertain selling any of them because he did not want them caged. He had built a special “house” just for them. Many times it was difficult for him to even walk across the room, but somehow he always managed to feed his birds most everyday and the two stray dogs that he had adopted, Prissy & Hercules.

As you leave today, take with you the memories that you have of our father with you. Tell your children and your grandchildren about the grumpy little old man that you knew that just happened to be from “The Greatest Generation.” The man that was a POW, a Purple Heart Recipient, a father, a grandfather but above all else…a Man of Honor.

Written by Debra Hyatt