Thomas D. "Tom" Tyler

Lancaster—On Tuesday, December 4, 2018, Thomas “Tom” Dale Tyler, loving husband, father of four, grandfather of eleven, and great-grandfather of seven, passed away in his 88th year. This gentle, loving, humble and wonderful man will be an enduring example of a life well lived for all of us who loved him and will miss him greatly.

Thomas was born on September 19, 1930, in Lancaster, Ohio to Joseph N. and Mabel Bordas Tyler. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1950 where he served honorably until his discharge in 1954. During the Korean War he served aboard the USS Uhlmann 686. For his service he was awarded a Purple Heart, four Bronze Stars, the South Korea Presidential Citation, Unit Citation, and the China Service Award. After his Navy service, he returned to Lancaster where he met and married Phyllis Thacker, and they raised a family together while he worked for 40 years as a Journeyman Machinist at the Anchor Hocking Glass Company. He was a member of Pleasant Chapel Church of God, where he served in various roles, and loved to sing hymns of the church. He greatly enjoyed family time, woodworking, all things mechanical, boating, and was an excellent swimmer. He often recounted early days lifeguarding at the Crystal Pool and dancing at the Crystal Ballroom at Buckeye Lake during the Big Band era. In his 80’s he discovered a new artistic passion, with both oil and water color painting, under the tutelage of his son-in-law, artist Peter Lang.

Thomas was predeceased by his parents, daughter-in-law Connie Taylor Tyler, great granddaughter Amelia Markland, and sisters-in-law, Lou (Robert) Tyler, and Ruby (Richard) Tyler, mother and father-in-law Guy Sr. and Catherine Thacker, and brother and sister-in-law Robert and Marjorie (Thacker) Rinehart.

Thomas is survived by his wife of 63 years, Phyllis, daughters Kellie (Larry) Ailes, Lancaster, Mindy (Peter) Lang, Phoenix, Az., sons John Tyler, Lancaster, and Mark (Lisa) Tyler, Lancaster. His eleven grandchildren include Amber (friend Ben Adams) Kelley, Colin (Jennifer) Ailes, Erin (Luke) Truex, Brittany (Kenton) Markland, Zachary (fiancée Erin Blackburn-Smith) Tyler, Hillary (Tim) Brett, Makenzie Tyler, Zoe Tyler, Kevin Tyler, Leigha Tyler, and Nicholas Tyler. His seven great-grandchildren include Canon and Mason Ailes, Park, Hadley and Avery Truex, and Margaux and Rowan Markland. He is also survived by three brothers, Robert Tyler, Lancaster, and Phillip (Rose Marie) Tyler, Lancaster, and Richard (Joan) Tyler, Aransas Pass, Texas. Brothers-in-law Guy (Patricia) Thacker, Millersville, MD, Robert (Lucy) Thacker, Germantown, TN, and Mike Thacker, Raywick, Kentucky. Tom is also survived by many special nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be observed at the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home on Friday, December 7, from 4-7pm, and the funeral, officiated by Pastor Steve Rauch, will be on Saturday, December 8, at 10am, at the funeral home, with burial following at the Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Lancaster. Those who wish, may donate to The Pleasant Chapel Church of God, 3225 Old Mill Road NE, Lancaster, Ohio, 43130. Online condolences can be made at www.funeralhome.com

Facts Born: September 19, 1930
Death: December 4, 2018