Walter R Hyma Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Walter R. Hyma, age 96, of Kankakee, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 28, 2020 at the Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno. Walter was awarded a basketball scholarship to Bowling Green State University in Ohio after his graduation from Findlay Ohio Senior High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II as a first sergeant in the Battery F 53rd Coast Artillery Regiment in the Philippines. After his discharge, he attended the University of Colorado in Boulder graduating summa cum laude. After several years working as a civil engineer, he began his life career at the Santa Fe Railroad based in Chicago. In 1970 he was promoted to Bridge Engineer System and retired from that position in 1982. He was an officer in several professional engineering organizations and a pioneer in the use of pre-cast concrete in bridges. After Walter’s retirement, he and his wife traveled extensively throughout all the United States. He was a brilliant thinker and his life inspired many. Walter was a devout Catholic. Surviving are his children, Kathleen (Michael) Stanfa of Kankakee; Steven Hyma of Potter Valley, California; Thomas (Melanie Allen) Hyma of Beaverton, Oregon; Daniel (Karen) Hyma of New Lenox; seven grandchildren, Anthony (Julia) Stanfa, Marie (David) Stover, Robert (Katie) Hyma, Philip (Becky) Hyma, Rachel(Josh) Maluta, Christopher (Becca) Allen-Hyma, Alexander (Ashley) Allen-Hyma; five great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Yvonne Hyma of Sylvania, Ohio; godchildren, cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Marie Hartl Hyma who passed away August 10, 2016; his parents Walter Rhyne and Della (Trap) Hyma; older sister Betty Riess; younger brother J. Timothy Hyma; two sisters-in-law, Irene Boardman and Helen Martinek; and one brother-in-law, Edward Hartl. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, private family services will be held. Private interment will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. Memorials may be made to Uplifted Care (formerly known as Hospice of Kankakee Valley) or the Illinois Veterans Home at Manteno. Arrangements by Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, Bourbonnais.

Walter R Hyma

December 26, 1923 - November 28, 2020