Onza Eugene Hyatt

Onza Eugene Hyatt passed peacefully on June 19, 2026. He was born August 5, 1936, and was predeceased by his parents, Earl Ewing Hyatt and Zelma Gilley Hyatt Smith; his brothers, James Bethel Hyatt and William Earl Hyatt; and his sister, Nancy Lellon Hyatt Diprisco. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Rebecca Anne Athey Hyatt; their sons, David Bowen Hyatt (Lana) and Onza Ewing Hyatt (Rawn); their daughter, Susan Withers Hyatt Ferrell (Maclin); eight grandchildren, Whitney Hyatt Mascaro (Jake), Rebecca Hyatt Freeland (Cory), Anne Maclin Ferrell, David Addison Hyatt (Kelley), Margaret McGee Roman Holton (Sean), Elizabeth Ewing Hyatt, Wilson Withers Ferrell, and Cole Hyatt Ferrell; as well as two great-granddaughters.

Onza lived in many small towns in Virginia growing up. His last stop was Winchester, as his father was a state auditor. He attended John Handley High School and, after graduating, enrolled at Virginia Military Institute, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1958. He was also a dedicated track team member for VMI. He had a short stint with Dupont, but it was interrupted with Air Force orders to McClellan Air Force Base in California. He and his young bride motored to California in 1959 for a tour of three years. After completing his tour of duty, he entered private industry and later established Caudle-Hyatt in Hopewell, Virginia, and other businesses under that umbrella.

Onza was very involved in the community where he lived and enjoyed each day to the fullest. Having served on many boards, he felt his contributions to his church, First Presbyterian; the John Randolph Foundation; the John Tyler Community College Board (now Brightpoint); the Southeastern Insulation Contractors Association; and the National Insulation Association, where he served as President, were the most meaningful to him.

Onza and his wife, Becky, who supported him in all his endeavors, were devoted parents and grandparents, and they have treasured their family members and every friendship.

The family will receive friends from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church, Hopewell, Virginia. Interment will follow in Appomattox Cemetery in Hopewell.

Contributions in Onza's memory can be made to the John Randolph Foundation Scholarship Fund (John Randolph Foundation, 112 North Main Street, Hopewell, Virginia 23860); the VMI track scholarship fund (Carmack Track Scholarship, VMI Keydet Club, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, Virginia 24450); or First Presbyterian Church, 1107 West Broadway, Hopewell, Virginia 23860. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com