Wayne Anton "Tony" Hyre

Wayne Anton “Tony” Hyre, 80, of rural Palestine, IL, died at 12:07 a.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at the VA Hospital in Danville, IL. He was born November 14, 1937 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 brother, Larry Hyre; and by his daughter, Martha Irene Hyre. He married Patricia Hamilton on May 28, 1959, and she survives. He is also survived by his son, Robert Hyre (Tolono, IL); by five grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; by his brother, Charles & Mary Hyre (Palestine, IL); by his sister, Vivian Fredricks (Morea, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews. Anyone who knew him could attest to the fact that Tony’s passion was airplanes. While proudly serving his country in the U.S. Navy, his childhood dream was fulfilled, having served as an aircraft mechanic. Following his discharge, he made this his life’s work. His career took him to numerous airports in Fairfield, Casey, Terre Haute, to name just a few. When he wasn’t working on airplanes, he busied himself collecting what his family lovingly referred to as “junk”, having found countless treasures through the years. He was a one-of-a-kind soul who will forever be missed by all who knew him. A time of visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 22nd at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. A graveside service will immediately follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery, rural Palestine, where military services will be conducted by the combined units of the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, American Legion Post #69, and Marine Corps League Det #546, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Pastor Mike Delaney will officiate the service. Memorials may be made to the Robinson V.F.W. Transportation Fund, with envelopes available at the funeral home.