Mike Hoyt

Michael Lyle Hoyt, 79, of rural Mentone, passed at 9:05 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, at his residence.

Mike was born on April 11, 1945, in Douglas, Mich., to the late Marion and Helen Ruth (Curtis) Hoyt. He led a remarkable life. He was a 1963 graduate of Nappanee High School, where he played football, basketball and track. His academic journey took him to Vincennes University and Indiana State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree and later pursued a master’s degree.

On March 1, 1969, Mike married Diana Patterson in Marion, and she survives him. His teaching career began in Jackson Township near Chesterton before he transitioned to West Chester Middle School. He also taught at Mentone School and briefly at Akron School. Later, he played a pivotal role in establishing shop classes at Tippecanoe Valley Middle School. He dedicated 35 years to teaching until his retirement in 2002.

Beyond the classroom, Mike coached boys and girls basketball, junior high football and varsity football. He shared his passion for woodworking through adult education. He also taught summer driver’s training. A devoted supporter of Valley sports, he worked tirelessly on the football chain gang and served as a ticket taker.

Mike’s college job, to help with a trip to Europe, was painting. His love for transforming spaces and painting continued through Hoyt Painting. An active member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in rural Rochester, he served as a deacon and trustee. Additionally, he belonged to the Mentone Lions Club, where he was a 50-year member, and the Mentone Masonic Lodge since 1994.

Outside of work, Mike enjoyed raising crossbred cattle and caring for horses. He enjoyed his 1955 Chevrolet Nomad and showcased it at local car shows. He cherished moments spent watching his grandkids’ events and hosting them for weekends of lake tubing. His friendly demeanor endeared him to everyone he met. He never knew a stranger and always enjoyed socializing.

He is survived by his wife, Diana Hoyt, of Mentone; children, Jeff and wife Denise Hoyt, of Winona Lake, and Jennifer and husband Cameron Fields, of Charlestown; grandchildren, Madison, Macy, Amaya and Owen; siblings, Sharie Johnson, of Syracuse, and Jim and wife Rhonda Hoyt, of Fredericksburg, Texas.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Pat Johnson, and a nephew, Chad Hoyt.

The funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19, at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone, with Michael Hamilton officiating.

The interment will take place following the service in the Sycamore Cemetery, rural Mentone.

Visitation hours will be held from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, at King Memorial Home, Mentone.

Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Sweet Sassy Golf Classic for Bib’s Billfold to assist teachers to better help students.