Joe Vaughn Hyden

Joe Vaughn Hyden of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away on October 5, 2017, in Norman at the age of 79 years.

Joe Vaughn Hyden was born June 2, 1938, in Ada, Oklahoma to Joe Paul Hyden and Bertha Gloe McNutt Hyden.

Joe graduated from Ada High School in 1956, where he was a starting member of the 1954 and 1955 State football championship team. Joe attended Oklahoma State University on a football scholarship, then later transferred to East Central University, where he received his degree in mathematics. While at East Central University, he played football and was named All American.

After graduation, Joe taught High School math for three years, and was then awarded a National Science Foundation Scholarship to the University of Arkansas, where he received his Master’s degree in Mathematics. He then accepted a position with NASA, at Huntsville, Alabama, where he was involved with the Apollo Space Program.

He later accepted a position at General Dynamics in Fort Worth, Texas. followed by a position with the Boeing Company in Seattle, Washington, where he was part of a team who developed the AWAC system. After retiring from Boeing Company, he took a job with NATO in Germany, where he modified the NATO version of the AWAC system.

Joe had a longtime passion for sculpturing and upon NATO retirement, he continued his study of sculpturing at the University of Oklahoma under sculptor, Paul Moore. Joe was selected to do sculptures of two honored professors at the University. These are now on permanent display at the University.

Joe's sculpture of Oklahoma Hall of Fame football coach, Elvan George, of Ada High and East Central University is on permanent display at the entrance to East Central's athletic field house.

Joe was a member and faithfully attended McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; and younger brother, Kent Hyden.
His survivors include his wife, Judy; his daughter, Lori Couch, her husband, Ross and son, Christian, Norman; his daughter, Stacy Hyden, Norman; Step Daughter, Christie Reaves and husband, Travis and sons, Trace, Cooper, Tate and daughter, Carter Anne, Killeen, TX; Step Daughter, Carrie Lowrie and husband, Brian and daughters, Megan and Kate, Midwest City; his identical twin brother, Jerry and wife Jane, Granbury, TX; Nephew, Bill Hyden and wife, Brooke and daughter, Livia Kate, Round Rock, TX.