Considered a fair and loyal newsman, Dan Hoyt, retired sports editor of the former Springfield Sun, died May 2, following three weeks of serious illness. He was 89.

Well-known for his support of Wittenberg athletics and his “Sports Chatter” column, Hoyt worked at the Sun for 35 years before retiring in 1979.

During his retirement, Hoyt continued to write, contributing several articles in the monthly Eaglewood (Care Center) News Letter, and entering and occasionally winning the “Beat the Wizard” contest in the Springfield News-Sun.

In 1987, Wittenberg renamed the sports box at the Wittenberg Stadium, now Edwards-Maurer Field, in honor of Hoyt and fellow sportswriter, the late Robert Sullivan, former sports editor of the Springfield Daily News and Springfield News-Sun, for the years of support both gave to all Wittenberg athletic programs.

“He was an outstanding sports editor and always gave great attention to Wittenberg athletics,” said Don Perkins, former director of public relations who knew Hoyt well.

“He, himself, covered many football and basketball games, and he put a lot of extra effort making Wittenberg look good on the sports pages.”

Hoyt is survived by three children and their spouses, 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Laura, his wife of 65 years, preceded him in death.