John Keith Hyneman, 80, Vincennes passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN. Born October 4, 1942 to Meredith and Isabelle “Peg” (Steelman) Hyneman, he spent a majority of his life in Hazelton, IN. John married Cheryl Judah on January 27, 1968 in Vincennes, IN.
John graduated from Hazelton High School in 1960. He went on to attend Vincennes University before transferring to Murray State University, where he graduated with a B.S. in Biology. His knowledge of the sciences served him well during his employment at Vincennes University where he was a lab assistant in the School of Math and Science until retiring in 2006. While at V.U. and after his retirement, he served as the statistician for the women’s basketball team until 2013.
In 1967 John was drafted into the United States Army where he served as a Tactical Communications Chief and completed one tour in Vietnam. While in the Army he became known for his skill in repairing radios and was often charged with getting the most damaged radios working again. His superiors credited his ability to restore communications for troops on the ground to saving countless lives, and for this he was awarded the Bronze Star.
During his life John had many hobbies and passions. He was a member of the American Legion and Lions Club. He was a skilled photographer, woodworker, and musician; and was always willing to give advice to others in improving their skills in those areas. While attending Vincennes University he played guitar in a band, The Conservatives. John had the gift of storytelling, and loved to share his stories with anyone who would listen. He enjoyed several sports, but basketball was his passion throughout his life transitioning from player to coach, and later spectator. John’s number one passion in life was his family. He was never hesitant to express how he appreciated, was proud of, and loved each member of the Hyneman clan.
John is survived by his wife, Cheryl; daughter, Rachel (William) Vance of Freelandville; grandson, Ares Keith Ramos of Freelandville; sister, Jane (Fred) Hartzburge of Vincennes; sister-in-law, Carole Boger of Vincennes; brother-in-law, David Judah of Vincennes; nine nieces and nephews, twenty-one grand nieces and nephews, and one great-grand nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Meredith “Merry” Beery; brother, James Eric Hyneman; and brother-in-law, James “Jim” Beery.
Visitation will be held at Fredrick and Sons McClure-Utt Funeral Homes, Vincennes Chapel Monday, June 5 from 4-8 PM. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 6 at 10:30 AM, with burial immediately following at Memorial Park Cemetery in Vincennes, IN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Wounded Warrior Project.
The family would like to thank the physicians, nurses, and staff at Good Samaritan Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospice for their assistance in caring for John.
