He married Sylvia Jean Bradshaw on Dec. 18, 1950 in the Salt Lake City Temple. She preceded him in death Sept. 13, 1993.
Hyrum served honorably in the Pacific Islands during World War II. While in the military he was gunner on a B-29 bomber. He also earned his wings. One of his greatest accomplishments during his service was being part of the group of pilots that dropped supplies to the American POW’s in Japan.
Hyrum spent much of his life educating others. He taught science and math at Tooele Jr. High for over 30 years. While there, he was known by many as the “mad scientist” that had “gross things in bottles at the back of the room, beakers and Bunsen burners with strange things brewing, always wore a lab coat and he had a skeleton in his closet.” He also taught in Leysin, Switzerland, for a year, and at Sorenson’s Boys Ranch in Koosharem.
He was an avid bicyclist until he had the opportunity to ride a tricycle. From then on he was on three wheels more than his two feet.
He enjoyed spending time hunting, using both archery and rifle. He was known to tell people that he was a good hunter, just not a very good finder. It was the time spent in the hills with family and friends that meant the most to him. He even had a current archery permit for this year.
He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many callings. While living in Tooele he was the music director for 15 straight years.
He loved music of all kinds. He learned how to play many instruments, including piano, baritone, flute, trombone and drums. He even tried his hand at some lesser-known ones such as the didgeridoo and the mandolin.
He loved the town of Cannonville, Utah. Even though he only spent three years there, he felt like it was home. The family would like to express their thanks for all the acts of kindness that were shown to him.
He is survived by his children, Sylvia (John) Henderson, St. Paul, Neb.; Mary Lynn Christensen, Eagle Mountain, Brad (Beverly) Christensen, Tooele, Paul Christensen, Taylorsville, George (Karen) Christensen, Nampa, Idaho, Rosa Dover, Hurricane, Sarah (Daniel) Rose, Henrieville, and Dawn Wright, Salt Lake City; 22 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild on the way. He is also survived by siblings, Mary Ellen Welling, Tremonton, LuEva Palmer, Fruitland, Idaho, Afton (Paul) Curritt, Cashmere, Wash., Peggy (Don) Bateman, Issaquah, Wash., Rosa May (Burt) Smith, Perry, Virginia (Mark) Farman, Greenacres, Wash., Georgia (Verl) Garrard, Salem, Ore., and Meda (Owen) Murphy, Tremonton.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ann Methley; and brothers-in-law, Burt Smith, Earl Glen.
Funeral services were held Friday, August 17, 2012 in the Henrieville Ward Chapel. Burial was in the Tooele City Cemetery Saturday, August 18, 2012 with military rites. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.maglebymortuary.com.