ERNEST EDWARD HYATT

Friday, March 16, 2007
Ernest Hyatt

Ernest Edward Hyatt, Iola, Kansas, died Thursday, March 15, 2007, at the Allen County Hospital in Iola. He was born in Opp, Alabama, just north of Pensacola, Florida, on Armistice Day, November 11, 1921. His parents, Monroe Eliege and Clara Mae Stewart Hyatt divorced when he was 6 years old. His maternal grandmother, Sally Stewart, was a full blood Creek Indian of the Muskogee Nation. Ernest lived with his father and with other railroad families in Pueblo, Colorado and in West Texas while his father was on the road. In 1932 at age 11, he was completely living on his own. Ernest went to work for the X/T Ranch in Folsom, New Mexico and worked his way up to ranch foreman. He was raised by Samuel and Madelyn Hardesty David, a Sicilian immigrant and his American born bride. Sam and Ernest continued to operate the ranch after young Madelyn's death November 8, l939, from cancer. In time the pair realized they need a housekeeper. Sam saw Charlie Carmean in town who suggested his sister-in-law, Ella Meier. During World War II, Ernest enlisted and served in the European Theater from December, 1941 until December, 1945. The 45th Infantry Division Thunderbirds served under General George S. Patton. They fought in the invasions of North Africa, Sicily and numerous battles, including Anzio. On the home front, Sam and Ella were married. Ernest started writing Ella's niece, Grace. On March 21, 1946, Ernest married Grace Pauline Carmean, daughter of Charles "Charlie" Pearson and Dora Mae Meier Carmean at Fort Scott, Kansas. Their daughter, Betty Jean, was born November 10, 1958, in time for Ernest's 37th birthday. Wednesday, March 21, would have been Grace and Ernest's 61st wedding anniversary. After World War II, Ernest worked for the Wade Motor Company in Bronson as a mechanic for Allis Chalmers and Studebakers. He became known as "Slim" to the area farmers. The business was destroyed by fire in October 1952. For a short time he worked for Duke Ellington Motors, Bronson and the Erie Allis Chalmers dealership. He worked for Mack C. Colt Inc. for 35 years. Ernest was a Southern Baptist. He was a member for over 50 years in Bourbon Masonic Lodge #268, Bronson OES No.65 and the American Legion. For several years he was the post commander of the Bronson American Legion. He liked to fish, bowl, garden and spend time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Grace, of the home, his daughter, Betty Pierson and her husband Randy, Emporia, Kansas and one granddaughter, Randielle Hyatt Pierson, Emporia, who continues the Hyatt name lineage. He was preceded in death by an infant brother and a sister.

Visitation will be held Sunday from 2-4 pm at Waugh-Yokum Mortuary in Iola. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. at Waugh-Yokum Mortuary with internment in the Bronson Cemetery.