Gordon C. Hyde

1933 - 2026

Gordon C. Hyde, born March 23, 1933, passed away peacefully at his home Feb. 17, 2026.

On Dec. 30, 1952, he married his grade school sweetheart, Roberta Inez (Dowse) Hyde, his wife of 73 years. Together they built a steady, supportive family life grounded in commitment and shared values. He was proud of his daughter and twin sons.

Gordon was raised on the family farm near Comstock, Neb., where he learned the importance of hard work and responsibility. He attended the University of Nebraska, earning his bachelor's degree before beginning a long and dedicated military career.

Gordon served in the United States Air Force for 21 years, retiring with the rank of Major. He loved flying airplanes and qualified in ten aircraft, including the B-36 Peacemaker and B-52 Stratofortress.

During the Apollo missions, he commanded an emergency rescue outpost responsible for potential spacecraft crew recovery. In 1969, he served as the USAF rescue representative to the five Baghdad Pact countries. He also flew more than 40 night combat missions and logged over 180 combat hours in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. He retired honorably in 1975.

After his military service, he and Roberta moved to the family farm, which had been in the family for over 100 years. He enjoyed farming for many years and caring for his small herd of cattle.

Gordon was involved in his community by serving as a member of the Sargent Hospital Board of Directors, the Douglas Grove Township Board, the Region 26 Board of Directors and eight years on the Custer County Board of Supervisors.

One of his accomplishments as supervisor was serving on the founding board of directors establishing the Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (NIRMA).

He was a devoted member of the Comstock United Methodist Church and the Comstock/Sargent Methodist Parish and served as their treasurer for many years. Gordon started a flight training school at the Sargent airport to share his love of flying.

In 2012, Gordon and Roberta made the hard decision to sell the farm and move to Omaha to be close to his boys and spend quality retirement life with family. He enjoyed playing pool and having conversations with the boys on Wednesday evenings. Sometimes he even won a game or two.

Gordon is survived by his wife Roberta; their children Teri and Jerry Baumann (children Sarah, Aaron and Emilie), Steven and Donna Hyde (children Derek and Craig) and Kevin and Denise Hyde (children Amanda and Justin); 14 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents Victor and Bea Hyde; brother Dr. Layton "Fred" Hyde; and his closest longtime friend George Land.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, Feb. 28, at 11 a.m. at Govier Brothers Chapel in Broken Bow. Visitation will starting at 10:30 a.m. and last until service time at Govier Brothers Mortuary. A luncheon will follow the service at the VFW building at 416 South 1st Ave, Broken Bow. Gordon will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Douglas Grove Cemetery in Comstock.

Memorials may be made to the American Legion Comstock Post 0220.

His family is grateful for his long life, his service and the faithful, loving example he set.