Charles E. Hyre

Charles E. Hyre, 82, of Palestine, IL, died at 12:45 p.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2017 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family. He was born April 25, 1935 in rural Palestine, IL, the son of Hubert & Gertrude (Cochran) Hyre, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Larry Hyre and Wayne “Tony” Hyre; and by one grandson, little Charles Edward Hyre. He married Mary Patten on November 7, 1953, and she survives. He is also survived by his sons & daughters-in-law, Jim & Lynn Hyre (Ingleside, IL), Mark & Melva Hyre (Subiaco, AR), and Richard & Dawn Hyre (Gainesville, FL); by his daughters & sons-in-law, Linda & Doug Burbeck (Eagle Creek, OR), and Pat & Chris Maibaur (Genoa City, WI); by his 19 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren; by his sister, Vivian Friedrich (Morea, IL); several nieces and nephews; as well as too many beloved extended family members to count. Charles grew up in the Palestine area and was a 1953 graduate of Palestine High School. He furthered his education at Valpo Tech, where he received an Associate’s of Electronics Degree in 1955. He put his skills to work in electrical engineering and design over the course of his 47-year career. Following his retirement in 1998, he stayed busy remodeling his house and working on numerous projects. Charles was, by all accounts, a master tinkerer, and there wasn’t a thing the man couldn’t fix. He was always ready and willing to extend his hand to those who needed his expertise as well. He was an intelligent man, and though this was evident, he stayed incredibly humble throughout his life. Friends and family will long miss his wonderful sense of humor, his kindness, and the light that he gave to the world around him. He attended the Heartland Baptist Church in Hutsonville, IL for many years. A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 14th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday with burial following at the Oak Grove Cemetery.