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PRESTONSBURG — A well respected and longtime Floyd County family physician, Dr. Alan Hyden passed away Sunday after a long battle with illness.

Hyden, 63, of Prestonsburg, passed away Sunday, Sept. 23, at Highlands Regional Medical Center.

Born Oct. 24, 1948, in Weiser, Idaho, Hyden was the son of Dixie Ratliff Hyden and the late Dr. Joe T. Hyden. He was a graduate of the University of Kentucky School of Medicine and ran his own clinic in Prestonsburg.

Hyden’s brother, Judge Executive R.D. “Doc” Marshall, said his brother devoted his entire life to his professional career.

“My brother was a wonderful physician who went above and beyond with his patients and his medical practice,” Marshall said. “He was a very loving father and idolized his grandchildren, and was so proud of his children. “

Hyden served proffesionally as the chief of staff at Highlands Regional Medical Center for many years, and also on the Floyd County Health Department board, as well as other professional groups. For years, Hyden also served as the doctor for many of the atheltic programs at Prestonsburg High School.

Richard Clark said Monday that his presence with the local schools probably had a positive influence on a great number of young people.

“He’ll be missed in the community,” Clark said. “He donated a lot of time to the football program as their doctor for years. I’m sure he was probably a guiding light to a lot of young men as a result of that.”

Echoing Clark’s comments, Floyd County Magistrate John Goble said Hyden’s passing leaves a void in the community.

“He’s been a public servant for years and years; serving rich and poor alike,” Goble said. “His presence is going to be missed.”

Hyden also put his medical expertise to work at local facilities such as Riverview Medical center.

Missy Allen, administrator at the facility, said, “He’s been part of our team here for over 30 years. He cared so much of our residents, his patients. He was always such a positive influence.

“We’re all just so sad. We just loved him.”

Hyden is survived by his wife, Betty Jo Greer Hyden; two sons, Joe Shannon “Josh” Hyden (wife Amy Howard) and Alan Seth Hyden (wife Amy Reed); a daughter, Kate Roberts; seven grandchildren; two brothers, Robert David Marshall and Joe T. Hyden II; two sisters, Debra Hyden Burke and Terri Hyden Allen; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m., today, at the First Baptist Church, in Prestonsburg, with Jerry Workman officiating. Burial will follow in Gethsemane Gardens, in Prestonsburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to First Baptist Church.