OBITUARY OF DR. JACK HYLES

Dr. Jack Hyles, age 74, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 6, 2001, at the University of Chicago Hospital. Dr. Hyles had suffered a serious heart attack on January 30, 2001. He was admitted to Methodist Hospital Southlake Campus, Merrillville, Indiana, on Tuesday.

He was subsequently airlifted to the University of Chicago Hospital at 1:00 a.m. Friday. Dr. Hyles underwent eight hours of open-heart surgery performed by a team of top surgeons and specialists. In spite of heroic attempts by the medical staff, Dr. Hyles was pronounced dead at 9:43 a.m.

Dr. Hyles was born September 25, 1926, in Italy, Texas, to Willis Athey and Coystal Mattie Hyles. He was survived by his wife of 54 years, Beverly; four children, Becky Smith of Texas, David Hyles of Florida, Linda Murphrey of Texas, and Cindy Schaap of Indiana; 11 grandchildren, Trina Beebe, Teresa Horton, Trent Smith, Jamie Hyles, Julie Hyles, Amy Hyles, Bethany Hyles, Melissa Murphrey, Michael Murphrey, Jaclynn Schaap, and Ken Schaap; 4 great-grandchildren; one sister, Earlyne Stephens of Illinois; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Lorene and Hazel, and a namesake grandson, Jack David Hyles.

Dr. Hyles was a graduate of East Texas Baptist College and attended Southwestern Baptist Seminary. He pastored five churches: Marris Chapel Baptist Church, Bogata, Texas; Grange Hall Baptist Church, Marshall, Texas; Southside Baptist Church, Henderson, Texas; Miller Road Baptist Church, Garland, Texas; and the First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana, which he pastored for 41 years, from August 1959 to present.

He is the author of 49 books and pamphlets. He founded Hammond Baptist Schools in 1970 and Hyles-Anderson College in 1972.

The viewing for Dr. Hyles was held in the First Baptist Church auditorium, 523 Sibley Street, Hammond, Indiana, on Friday, February 9, 2001. At 7:00 p.m. on Friday, there was a memorial service attended by all out-of-town guests and friends, all non-first Baptist Church members, and all Hyles-Anderson College students.

The viewing was resumed after the memorial service and was continued throughout the night until 9:30 a.m. Saturday, February 10. There was a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. for the First Baptist Church membership, including all First Baptist young people who are college students.

There was a private grave side service conducted for the family only.

There were hundreds of flowers and cards sent by people who loved and admired Dr. Hyles.

Dr. Hyles' ministry has touched and influenced the lives of over a million people nationwide as well as untold millions worldwide. He will be truly missed until we meet again at Jesus' feet.