Gerald Hyde

Gerald "Jerry" Clinton Hyde, husband, father, craftsman, devoted minister, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025 at age 86, amidst the love and support of his family. Born in 1939 to Clinton R. Hyde and Mabel M. (Dutton) Hyde, Jerry grew up in Owego, New York, where his lifelong passion for craftsmanship began at an early age. At just 12 years old, he hand-crafted his first violin-a testament to the creativity, precision, work ethic, and devotion to excellence that would define his life. He would later start his own woodworking business in Candor, NY, building custom crafted furniture and cabinetry for installation in many homes throughout the Southern Tier and beyond.
As a young man, Jerry was drafted into the United States Army, honorably discharged from his service in November of 1967. He was called upon to serve as a guard at President John F. Kennedy's funeral on November 25, 1963, subsequently receiving commendations from the US secretary of defense for his exemplary service.
Jerry's hands and heart built more than instruments and fine woodwork-they built community, hope, and faith. Answering a call to ministry later in life, Jerry Hyde touched the lives of countless people worldwide through his ministry of over 40 years. His ministry was marked by a deep love for people and a steadfast devotion to God's Word. He was a faithful Pastor to his home church, Living Water Fellowship. He taught many classes and was a guest conference speaker at Pinecrest Bible Training Center in Salisbury Center, NY where some of the most memorable moments of his ministry took place. Jerry also enjoyed writing and recording messages that were sent all over the world. He loved to study and teach the word of God. Ministry was his passion and his life's work. He never turned anyone away that wanted ministry or needed prayer, always taking his time with each and every one individually for as long as needed. His heart for the Lord and others changed many lives for eternity.
Jerry is predeceased by his father, Clinton Hyde; his mother, Mabel (Dutton) Hyde; and his first wife of 40 years, Evelyn Zula (Hogg). He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Gwendolyn (Prawel), and his loving children: Debbie Crozier (David), Cindy Henry-Wood (Robert), Tracy Hyde (Carrie), Trudy Hyde (Larry Hover), Jeri Sarrge (Daniel), and Jennifer Garabedian (Edmon), as well as his stepson Drew Prawel (Sarah), 19 grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.
Jerry's life was crafted with care, guided by faith, and filled with service to God's work. His skilled hands and inventive spirit shaped not only the beautiful things he built, but also the lives of those around him. Though his hands now rest, the work of his heart lives on in all who were blessed to know and fellowship with him. His legacy continues to thrive in the faith, creativity, and kindness of his family and his brothers and sisters in Christ, who will forever cherish his example.
A service celebrating the life of Gerald Hyde will be held at Richards Funeral Home, 3670 Waverly Rd., Owego, NY at 1 PM on Friday, November 14, 2025. A visitation will be held from 11 AM-1 PM immediately preceding the service, with internment following at Tioga Cemetery, Owego, NY. Please share your memories at www.RichardsFH.com