Robert Nelson Hyde

Robert Hyde, 97, died Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at Mercy Hospice, Johnston. He was the son of Branham and Stella Hyde. A graduate of North High School in Des Moines, Robert received a bachelor's degree from Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, and a masters degree from Drake University. He served in the US Army during World War II and made the army his career until retiring in 1963 with the rank of major. He began a second career in the Des Moines Public School system in 1964 as an elementary school teacher at Elm Grove. In 1973, he was appointed principal at Casady School. At the time of his retirement in 1998, he was principal at Monroe-Rice School. Robert was passionate about teaching, and he was proud of the leadership roles he played as a classroom teacher, as a coordinator with Teacher Corps, and as an educational coordinator as well as an administrator. Another satisfaction and source of pride came from the beautiful roses he pampered in his garden. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Betty; his sons, Robert (Kathleen) and Eric (Lois); and five grandchildren, Ashley, Rachel (Felix) Falcon, Jarrett, Branham and Chresten; one great-grandson, Lincoln; and a sister, Maxine (Herman) Graham. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, February 23, 2014 at Caldwell Raddatz Funeral Home, 8201 Hickman Road Urbandale. The family requests memorial contributions be directed to Mosaic, 11141 Aurora Ave. Bldg. 3, Urbandale, IA 50322-7904. Mosaic advocates for people with intellectual disabilities and provides opportunities for them to enjoy a full life. Online condolences may be left at caldwellraddatz.com.