Today we lost our sunshine!
Charles Alfred (Freddy) Hyde, 67 years old, passed away at St. Patrick Hospital on Aug. 18, 2022, in Lake Charles, La., after a brief illness. Freddy was the youngest of four boys born to Gernie Aymond and Leon Hyde and was a lifelong resident of DeRidder, La.
Fred, along with his parents and brother, Johnny, owned and managed the family’s Exxon Distributor business which was in existence for over 50 years. Upon the sale of that business in 2000 Freddy purchased and operated First Class Travel until his retirement in 2021. Freddy was quite active in support of his home town volunteering his efforts with the Beauregard Fair, Knights of Columbus, Christmas Parade, Dragons Booster Club, BCAA and various other charities. Fred enhanced the lives of so many through his anonymous acts of giving and through kindness to others in need.
Through his ownership of First Class Travel it provided an opportunity for him to travel to different corners of the world researching locations of intrigue and adventure for the many organizations and individuals who sought out his services for their travels. Those travels sharpened his already infectious humor and storytelling which he often shared with family and friends. If you said Freddy was the life of the party it definitely was an understatement. His bright smile, effervescent attitude and wit brightened the day of everyone with whom he came into contact. Freddy was kind to people and animals, loyal to a fault and just darn right funny.
Freddy was preceded in death by his parents, Gernie Aymond and Leon Hyde; and brother, Michael. His surviving brothers are John L. Hyde of DeRidder, William L. Hyde Jr. (Claire) of Dallas, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.
The family wants to sincerely thank Doctor Chris Grange for his many years of medical assistance and guidance with Freddy’s health, the staff at Westwood Manor for their attentiveness and courtesy to Freddy during his short stay with the facility and Mrs. Sondra Schmidt for her invaluable friendship, dedication and personal attention provided to Freddy over the years.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, La. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022, also at Myers Colonial Funeral Home. Pastor George Lee Glass and Father Louis Richard will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Leon Schmidt, Lamar Schmidt, John Hyde, William L. Hyde Jr., Philip Smith and Gene Bailey. Burial will follow at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder, La.
Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Beauregard Hospital Auxiliary.
Services are under the direction of Myers-Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, La.