Darrell Gene Hyatt, 86, of Dillsboro passed away peacefully Saturday, July 4, 2020, after a long battle with dementia, at the Heritage House of Greensburg. Darrell was born Thursday, May 17, 1934 in Friendship, Indiana, the son of the late James and Thelma (Linkmeyer) Hyatt. He married Roselyn Kirtley and she preceded him in death. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Farmers Retreat. Darrell was a 1952 graduate of Cross Plains High School where he played basketball; he served his country in the Air Force and was a Korean War Veteran; an honorary lifetime member of Northcutt-Laaker American Legion Post #292; and retired from Seagram’s Distillery after 45 years. He enjoyed big band music; pitching horseshoes; jitterbug dancing; bowling; gardening, at which he loved to raise tomatoes to give away; and a muzzleloader member. He especially loved his family and he helped many people.
Darrell is survived by his daughter Melinda Sowards of Friendship; brother James (Patsy) Hyatt JR. of Cross Plains; grandson Raymond Sowards; nephew Rodney Hyatt and niece Rhonda Hyatt. He was preceded in death by his wife Roselyn, parents James and Thelma Hyatt, son Michael Hyatt, and granddaughter Crystal Sowards.
Family and friends may gather to share and remember him 5 – 7 PM Wednesday, July 8 at Filter-DeVries-Moore Funeral Home in Dillsboro. A service celebrating his life will be held 11 AM Thursday, July 9, 2020 with visitation from 10 AM until time of service at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Farmers Retreat with Rev. Richard Kolaskey officiating. Burial will follow in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery with full military rites provided by the Northcutt-Laaker American Legion Post #292. Memorials may be given in honor of Darrell to the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery or Church. Filter-DeVries-Moore Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements, 12887 Lenover Street, Box 146, Dillsboro, IN 47018, (812)432-5480. Please reach out through our website at www.filterdevriesmoore.com to leave an online condolence message in memory of Darrell for the family.