Kenny Hulshof: “I rise to celebrate and acknowledge the life and memory of John B. Hyatt, a constituent and friend, a longtime Columbia…”

“I rise to celebrate and acknowledge the life and memory of John B. Hyatt, a constituent and friend, a longtime Columbia, Missouri, businessman, a devoted husband and father, an avid golfer, a passionate Missouri Tiger fan, a community activist. John Hyatt was born in the small Missouri town of Fayette in 1924. He served our country, enlisting in the Navy at the age of 19. He was stationed in the Pacific during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946. Upon his return home, John attended Central Missouri State University and excelled in basketball. In fact, Mr. Speaker, after graduation, he began his professional career as a high school coach. In order to supplement his modest coach's salary, John began selling life insurance. It became apparent that his prowess as a coach was only surpassed by his innate abilities as a salesman. He concluded a successful 40-year career with State Farm Insurance in 1994. John's greatest sale, however, was reserved for his personal life. It was in 1953 that he convinced his best friend's sister, Mary, to become his life's partner. Together they had two children, Vicky and Bill. On Wednesday, November 7, the Boone County Citizens for Good Government will pay tribute to John Hyatt posthumously with the Guardian of Good Government award. There can be, I think, no greater tribute. He was to me a good friend, a confidante, a sage political adviser, but not just in words, but in deeds.”