Robert Irving Hymes; Retired Teacher
Robert Irving Hymes, an English and journalism teacher in the San Fernando Valley for 28 years, has died in Van Nuys. He was 69.
Hymes most recently taught English and journalism at Granada Hills High School from its opening in 1960 until his retirement in 1981.
He died Monday of heart failure while playing tennis, said his wife, Trudi.
Born Nov. 23, 1920, in San Diego, Hymes served in the Navy ROTC program at the University of North Carolina in the mid-1940s. He decided against a career in the military and enrolled at USC, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.
He moved to the Valley in 1953 and taught at various schools, including Sun Valley Junior High and Monroe High in Sepulveda. He also taught adult school at Van Nuys High School. After retirement, he worked as a substitute library assistant for the city of Los Angeles.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years; sons, Larry Hymes of Northridge and Ron Hymes of Canyon Country; and a brother, Bill Hymes of West Los Angeles. A private service was held Thursday. Donations can be made in Hymes’ name to the donor’s favorite charity.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
