Joe Vaughn Hyden, a notable figure in mathematics and aerospace, passed away at age 79. His career included contributions to NASA’s Apollo Program and the development of the AWAC system. A passionate sculptor, his works are displayed at East Central University. A member of McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church, he is survived by family and is remembered for his diverse achievements.

Joe Vaughn Hyden, a respected member of the Norman, Oklahoma community, passed away on October 5, 2017, at the age of 79. Born on June 2, 1938, in Ada, Oklahoma, Joe was the son of Joe Paul Hyden and Bertha Gloe McNutt Hyden. His early years were marked by athletic and academic achievements, including playing on the 1954 and 1955 State football championship teams at Ada High School. He continued his education at Oklahoma State University on a football scholarship before transferring to East Central University, where he earned his degree in mathematics and was named All American.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Joe taught high school math for three years before receiving a National Science Foundation Scholarship to the University of Arkansas. There, he earned a Master’s degree in Mathematics. His career took him to NASA in Huntsville, Alabama, where he contributed to the Apollo Space Program. Subsequently, Joe worked for General Dynamics in Fort Worth, Texas, and later joined the Boeing Company in Seattle, Washington. At Boeing, he was part of the team that developed the AWAC system. Following his retirement from Boeing, Joe accepted a position with NATO in Germany, where he worked on modifying the NATO version of the AWAC system.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joe had a lifelong passion for sculpting. After retiring from NATO, he pursued sculpting studies at the University of Oklahoma under the guidance of sculptor Paul Moore. Joe’s talent in this field led to the creation of sculptures of two honored professors at the University, which are now on permanent display. Notably, his sculpture of Oklahoma Hall of Fame football coach Elvan George is prominently displayed at the entrance to East Central’s athletic field house.

Joe was a dedicated member of McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church, where he faithfully attended services. He is survived by his wife, Judy; daughter, Lori Couch, and her family; daughter, Stacy Hyden; stepdaughter, Christie Reaves and her family; stepdaughter, Carrie Lowrie and her family; his identical twin brother, Jerry; and nephew, Bill Hyden and his family. Joe’s life and work reflect the spirit of service and dedication, resonating with the biblical call to love and serve one’s neighbor, as seen in Matthew 25:35.

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