Obituary of Donald R. Hoyt

Donald R. Hoyt, 88, formerly of Sumter, SC, passed away peacefully Tuesday June 23, 2015 in the Heritage Village Rehab and Skilled Nursing Facility, surrounded by his family. He was born November 30, 1926 in Olean, NY the son of the late Lawrence Jefferson Hoyt Sr. and Cora Allen Hoyt. Donald was a proud veteran, serving in the United States Marine Corp during WWII. Following the war, he worked at Crescent Tool Co. for 45 years, retiring as a supervisor. He was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in South Carolina and Bethel Lutheran Church in Jamestown. Donald was very active in both churches, singing in the choir and a member of Stephen's Ministry. He was a member of the Lakewood Memorial Post 1286 American Legion and the IAM Machinists Union. In earlier years, he played trumpet in many bands, including the Salvation Army Band and the Moose Band. Donald coached the West Side Yellow Jackets Midget Football team and refereed football for many years. He was a Boy Scout leader, earning many awards, including the Silver Beaver award. For many summers, Donald was the cook at Camp Merz. He also chaperoned many trips with the Jamestown Acapella Choir. Donald was not only dedicated to his own children, but to all children. Whether loading up his station wagon with kids and equipment for a game, or bringing kids home from camp for the weekend, there was always room for one more. Surviving are a daughter, Frances (Gregg) Guichard of Lakewood; two sons, Patrick G. Hoyt (the late Jeffrey Seblink); and Timothy J. (June) Hoyt, both of Jamestown; seven grandchildren, Stephen L.P. Hoyt of Jamestown; Shannon (Jayme) Sauder of Ashland, MA; Amber (Jake) Arrance of Lakewood; Dr. Jack R. Lee of Albany, NY; Gregg Guichard Jr., and Brooke Guichard, both of Jamestown; Danielle Guichard of New Port News, VA; and four great grandchildren, Jameson, Parker, Kathryn and Ethan; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Jean L. Thornblad Hoyt who died February 12, 2014; and a brother, Lawrence Jefferson Hoyt Jr. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Alan W. Anderson, pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday and for one hour prior to the service Monday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, 904 West Third Street, Jamestown, NY 14701; or Boy Scouts of America, 50 Hough Hill, Falconer, NY 14733.