Jerald “Jerry” Dean Hyman went to join his heavenly Father on Oct. 31, 2022.
A beloved teacher, generous friend and faithful servant of God, he will be remembered with fondness and admiration by all those who had the pleasure to know him.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, Nov. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Anderson-Burris Funeral Home in Enid, Oklahoma. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Enid.
Jerry was born on Aug. 1, 1951, to Tom and Esther Hyman in a farmhouse near Strong City, Oklahoma. He attended school in Leedey, Oklahoma, and graduated from Leedey High School in 1969. He attended college and received a degree in education from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma in 1974.
After graduating, he took a job teaching at Okarche Public Schools. Sometimes people can be defined by their careers, but it was Jerry who gave his career its unique definition. Over his 41-year career at Okarche, he taught hundreds of junior high and high school students in subjects including history, government, economics, science and photography. He will be forever remembered by his ability to teach students in a way that was both educating and engaging. He often included steady doses of humor and good-natured interactions with the students, creating an endearing learning experience. These attributes combined to make him a consistent favorite among students and colleagues alike. Ask almost any Okarche alum about “Mr. Hyman” or “Mr. H” and it’s sure to bring a smile to their face and inspire them to share a memorable or funny story from their experiences around him.
In addition to his gifted teaching, he was continually supporting students by serving as an academic or teacher sponsor to various student organizations including National Honor Society, Beta Club, Student Council and several student Academic Teams. He also had the knack for creating memorable experiences with students that included education beyond the classroom. Jerry sponsored various trips for students through the years to the Phillips University Summer Camp in Colorado, excursions to famous cities like Boston, New York and Washington, D.C., and even trips throughout Europe, exploring various historical and cultural sites. All the while, he gave students the opportunity to not only expand their own knowledge, but to do so while creating lifelong memories with their classmates and friends.
Jerry enjoyed several hobbies outside of work. While too numerous to mention them all, it was not uncommon for him to be found working on a home or landscape renovation project, building a custom furniture project, traveling around the world or dabbling in photography. He was always willing to lend a hand to a friend or neighbor in need. He was a truly generous and humble giver of his time and talents. And perhaps the best example of that was his involvement in his church.
Jerry was a born-again Christian of strong faith and always strived to live a life based on Christ’s example. He was a member of the Kingfisher First Baptist Church, where he spent countless hours volunteering and managing the church audio visual systems for Sunday services. He also helped support and produce the annual Christmas programs hosted each year at the church. As his health began to decline, he attended Okarche First Baptist Church where he remained an active member of the congregation.
Jerry was blessed throughout his life by the love of his family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, as well as his brothers Thomas and Clifford Hyman. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Margaret Goodnight; his niece, Denise Saunders and her husband Roger; his great-niece, Kate Patrick and her husband Brayden; his great-nephew, Ryan Saunders; his great-niece, Julie Watson and her husband Remington and their children Brinn and Cash. He is also survived by very close friends and “adopted” family Steve and Debbie Crossley and their sons David and wife Leslie; Joseph and wife Nicole; Nicholas and wife Maddie; Daniel and wife Ashlea; as well as close friend Roberta Nicholas and many, many friends and colleagues.
Jerry lived a life full of humor, humility and generosity. Through it all, he left a positive impact on so many that will not be soon forgotten. The family wishes to thank the many friends, colleagues, and most importantly, the numerous students who have sent condolences, prayers and well wishes during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Jerry’s name to the Jerry Hyman Memorial Scholarship Fund at Okarche Public Schools. Condolences may be made online at www.andersonburris.com.
