Gordon Charles Hyde, born March 23, 1933, passed away peacefully at his home on February 17, 2026. On December 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, Nebraska, 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, and 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). He is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

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

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Govier Brothers Chapel in Broken Bow, NE. A visitation will be held starting at 10:30 AM till service time at Govier Brothers Mortuary. Gordon will be laid to rest at Douglas Grove Cemetery in Comstock, Nebraska, with Military Honors.

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