Jefferson Chilton Lyda, 95, of Brookeland, Texas passed away on Saturday, June 4, 2023 at his residence.

Jefferson was born on January 14, 1928, in Chico, Texas to Ben Lyda and Etta Morrow Lyda. He was a member of the US ARMY having served in the Korean War as a Private First Class. He went on to become a merchant seaman in the shipping industry. He enjoyed walking the mall and throwing dice at the craps tables. Jefferson was known as a kind-hearted man loved by all who met him.

He is survived by his daughter, Marie Long and husband, Marshall of Brookeland, Texas; step-daughters, Benita Burge and husband Bill of Cooper, Texas, and Carolyn Milner and husband, Key of Jessup, Georgia; step-son, Burt Ogden and wife, Mary of Arkansas; brother, Jervil Lyda of Arkansas; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Etta Lyda; and his wife Mary Anna Nix Lyda.

Cremation arrangements were handled by Starr Funeral Home, Hemphill, Texas.

Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfuneralhome.com.