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The Life of William Henry Hyer

WILLIAM H. HYER DIES

A YEAR’S ILLNESS FATAL TO THE BOOT MANUFACTURER

Equipment for Cowboys and Soldiers Has Been Made by His Olathe Firm Since 1875

Olathe, Kas., May 28. – William H. Hyer, 56 years old, a partner in the nationally known C.H.  Hyer & Sons boot manufacturing business here, died early this morning at his home on east Cedar Street, Mr. Hyer had been ill more than a year, but it was only about a month ago that he was forced to stop his business affairs.

Mr. Hyer, with his brothers C.H. Hyer, jr., and Albert Hyer, had been actively engaged in the manufacture of cowboy and military boots since he was a young man. The business was established in 1875 by the father, C.H. Hyer, and was purchased by the sons before the senior Hyer’s death in 1921.

William H. Hyer was born and raised here, and was graduated from the Olathe schools in 1901. He learned the boot-making business form his father and later assumed executive responsibilities.

Military boots are supplied army posts, and for many years large shipments were made to West Point. Among the regular cowboy boot customers was the late Will Rogers. Others are such old-time movie favorites Tom Mix and William S. Hart, and many top-ranking circus and rodeo performers.

In 1910 Mr. Hyer married Miss Gessner Peck of Kansas City, She survives him, as do two children, Mrs. Dorothy Mapes, Los Angeles, and William H. Hyer, jr., of the home, a student at the University of Kansas.

Aside from his family and business, Mr. Hyer’s greatest interest probably lay in the work of the Masonic Lodge. He was a member of the Olathe Lodge No. 19, A. F. & A. M; Olathe chapter No. 10 Royal Arch Masons;  Olathe council No. 11 Royal and Select Masters; Olathe commandery, No. 39, Knights Templar, and a live member of the Abdallah Shrine of Leavenworth. He was a member of the Anchor chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star here.

Mr. Hyer leaves two sisters, Mrs. Anna Hawkins and Mrs. Earl Garrett, both of Olathe. Funeral services will be held at 3 o’clock Tuesday at the home. 

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2018.03.07
Obituary

Obituary

Posted by Norman P on 03/07/2018