In Memory

Melvin L. Hyde, 88, of Burwell, Nebraska died August 18, 2018 at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska.

Melvin L. Hyde was born April 5, 1930 at the ranch home of his grandfather, Joe Ferguson, 1 mile north and 3 miles west of Taylor, Nebraska. Melvin was the son of C.V. “Vince” and Mary Ferguson Hyde. He attended the Lookout and Sunnyside rural schools. He graduated from the Loup County High School at Taylor in 1947.

Melvin taught at the Lookout and Liberty rural schools before serving his country during the Korean War-1951-1953. He spent 1 year at Camp Roberts, California. He spent the next year in Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, Korea with the censorship section. They censored all news that the reporters sent from Korea. Melvin was awarded the Commendation Ribbon with Medal Pendant. Upon returning from Korea hetaught at the Pleasant View and Almeria rural schools each for one year. Melvin attended Nebraska State College at Kearney for one year and the next eight summers receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education in 1962. After attending 1 year of college Melvin taught the 5th and 6th grades at Taylor Elementary for the next 22 years. He spent the next year on the ranch and then he taught Chapter Math at Burwell Elementary for 9 years retiring in 1989 after 36 years.

Melvin loved teaching and working with children. Melvin also enjoyed living on the ranch where he was born and raising cattle in later years with the help of his brother John. He also enjoyed his second home in Burwell, Nebraska. Melvin was very active in the Loup County Historical Society and organized tours of the different communities of Loup County that existed in past years. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of the county he grew up in. He was the family historian and had a gift for expressing himself with his vast knowledge and stories that taught us to remember our past. Melvin was a great teacher and inspired many students who later became lifelong friends. He taught his students to believe in themselves and made a positive impact on so many through his dedication and discipline. Melvin was firm but loving and had a contagious laugh. Melvin was a wonderful uncle and loved his family. He took care of his mother and was dedicated to preserving the legacy of his aunt Cora and uncles Cal and Luther Ferguson. In days gone by you would see George Neel and Melvin together in the pickup heading up to the farm. Then after his beloved sister in law Delores passed, Melvin would stop and pick up his brother, Johnny each day just to give him the strength to go on without her. Melvin’s perseverance and fortitude to keep going in spite of his many health problems was an inspiration for all who knew him. He was a man of his word and will be dearly missed.

Melvin was a life member of the following organizations:

VFW Post 6159 at Taylor and Past Commander, member for 63 years, American Legion Post 298 at Burwell, member for 61 years, National Education Association, Nebraska State Education Association, Loup County Historical Society- Vice President, Ord Elks Lodge No. 2371, and National Rifle Association.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Vince and Mary Hyde, sister in law Delores Hyde, and brother Johnny Hyde. He is survived by three nieces and sons-in-law, Terry (Hyde) & Mike McCoy of West Sacramento, CA; Jeanne (Hyde) & Dale Peterson of Ord, NE; Cathy (Hyde) & Stan Foster of Taylor, NE; eight great nieces Shannon (Peterson) & Scott Bruha of Kearney, NE; Jessica Peterson of Vail, CO; Heidi Peterson of Ord, NE; Jamie (Foster) & Dustin Copsey of Burwell, NE; Jennifer Foster of Taylor, NE; Kellie (Peterson) & Nick Reed of Kearney, NE; Alisha (Peterson) & Bradley Welniak of Omaha, NE; Megan McCoy of West Sacramento, CA; one great nephew John McCoy of West Sacramento, CA. Four great-great nieces
Payton, Jordyn, & Reeslyn Bruha of Kearney, NE; Leah Copsey of Burwell, NE and one great-great nephew Dugan Copsey of Burwell, NE.