Richard Eugene Hyndman

Richard Eugene "Dick" Hyndman, 89, retired Columbia City Police Officer, died peacefully at his home at 9:53 p.m. Saturday, September 27, 2025. Born on August 25, 1936, in Whitley County, Indiana, he was the son of Robert D. and Elizabeth K. (Ziegenbein) Hyndman. Growing up in Columbia City, he completed McClellan Elementary School and attended Columbia City High School. In 1954, he joined the United States Marine Corps, transferring to the U. S. Army on January 19, 1955. He became an equipment operator for the 41st Engineer Battalion, Company "A" in Germany and earned his GED. On January 16, 1959, he was honorably discharged from active duty and transferred to the U.S. Army Reserves. Returning to the area, he married Mary Ann Miller on August 30, 1963. They made their home in Columbia City, raising three children. Mary died on October 3, 2022. On May 2, 1964, Dick joined the Columbia City Police Department. Continuing his law enforcement education, he became a Detective for the department. After 20 years of service, Dick retired from the department on June 2, 1984. In 1970, Dick started a Locksmith business known as Dick's Locksmith. He continued the business until 2010. In 2000, Dick became a sworn deputy of the Whitley County Sheriff's Dept., providing security at the Whitley County Courthouse. He resigned from the position in 2020. Dick enjoyed bowling and participated in the local leagues. He was a member of American Legion Post 98, VFW Post 5582, and the Fraternal Order of Police, all of Columbia City. He was a regular for breakfast at Richard's Restaurant, where he would reminisce with old friends. When the grandkids came along, they became his focus and joy. More recently, he enjoyed watching old television classics, such as The Andy Griffith Show, and spending time with his beloved cats, Milo and Calico. Surviving are his children, Richard L (Chastity) Hyndman of Columbia City, Lisa A. (Douglas) Sallie of Fort Wayne, and Ryan L. (Heather) Hyndman of Columbia City; grandchildren, Misty Dawn (Kaleb) Walker, Alex James Scott, Jacob Tyler Scott, Matthew Ryan Hyndman, Mary Elizabeth Hyndman, and Michael Robert Hyndman; great-grandchildren, Colt Allen Walker, Raelynn Ann Walker, Emmett Blake Walker and Owen Tyler Walker; and a sister, Beverly Minnick of Columbia City. Additionally, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Norma Harmon, Lela Jo Ann Hyndman, and Margaret Walters, and his brothers-in-law, Jim Harmon, Art Minnick, and Paul Walters. The funeral service is 2 p.m. Monday (Oct. 6th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial beside his wife at the Greenhill Cemetery. Visitation is from 12 noon until the service Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to American Legion Post 98 or to final expenses, c/o Smith & Sons Funeral Home.