Jere Elwayne Hyder, born November 29, 1939, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2021 after a prolonged illness. Jere leaves behind his wife Mary Helen Baynard Hyder, his children, Brent Hyder (Wendy), Sonya Webb (Jeff), Mark Hyder, Mathew Hyder (Julie), Christine Hyatt, Andrew Hyder (Avery), Mary Yoon (Charlie), 17 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.
Jere is also survived by his three siblings Joyce Wight (Gordon), Jo Anne Roberts, and John C Hyder (Jerliyn), who were a very important part of his life.
Jere was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, where his father Jesse E. Hyder was serving in the military. Soon after, Jere and his mother, Jean P. Hyder, relocated to his father’s home town of Hendersonville. From that moment on, Jere would begin a life-long love of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Growing up in East Flat Rock, Jere surrounded himself with community, friends, family, and church. He attended Flat Rock High, where he was on the varsity basketball team, and in his senior year, was elected student body president. After graduating from High School in 1958, Jere attended Brigham University in Provo, Utah.
Jere had a distinguished career in law enforcement as a police officer in Provo, Utah, and a Deputy Sheriff in Orange County, California, serving for many years as a Detective and Sergeant.
In 1977, Jere returned home to Henderson County where he owned and operated Hyder Furniture Stripping and Refinishing. In 1980, Jere was elected to a four-year term as a Henderson County Commissioner. He was an active member in and leader of the local Republican Party for many years.
Jere was a true creative spirit, an accomplished painter, winning several awards and recognition including an award of first place in 2002 at a Henderson County Art Show. Many of his paintings depicted the beauty of the local mountain scenery and communities that he loved so much.
Throughout his life, Jere was a devoted disciple and follower of his Savior, Jesus Christ, and loved to serve others. From 1960 through 1962, Jere served a two and a half-year mission in France for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Jere continued his service throughout his life, including leading the local congregation for many years. His belief that families can be together forever, fueled his drive and service, especially in difficult times.
Jere’s children would like to take this opportunity to not only pay tribute to our father, but also to his amazing wife, our mother and friend, Mary Helen Hyder. We are incredibly thankful for Mary Helen, especially for her selfless attention and nursing to help Jere over many years of illness.
A funeral service will be held, Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 11 o’clock in the morning at The Chapel in the Pines of Jackson Funeral Service. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel. Interment will follow the service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Condolences for the family may be sent to www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or to: Jackson Funeral Service, 1101 Greenville Hwy Hendersonville, NC 28792.