Milton LeRoy Tyler, 83, of Big Run, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 26, 2021, at Penn Highlands DuBois surrounded by family.
He was born in Emporia, Kansas on July 9, 1938, a son of the late Milton Howard and Effie Reba (Adamson) Tyler. He was lovingly raised by Eva and Jack Walsh of California.
Mr. Tyler served honorably in the United States Navy for nine years during the Vietnam Era. He began teaching and helping others earn promotions by learning “the book stuff”. This was when he recognized he had natural teaching skills. During his service in the US Navy, he had the ability to travel the world. He continued his travels throughout North America, Canada, and China sharing that adventure and love of travel with his children and wives.
On October 17, 1959, he married Barbara Ann Hollopeter. She proceeded him in death on October 3, 1970. Together they had three children, Douglas, Kimberly, and Trisha. Later he married Marlene Neal and was blessed with a third daughter, Jodi Tyler. Soon after he lovingly raised Scott Shields. In 2006, Catherine Anne Doyle became his wife. They enjoyed living in Canada and traveling throughout Canada and North America together. Catherine proceeded him in death in 2018.
Mr. Tyler’s passion throughout his life was education, travel, and politics. He was a teacher for thirty years, with most of his career at Jeff Tech Vocational School in the Distributive Education Program. His students enjoyed his teaching style, sense of humor and ability to make learning fun. His “gift of gab” allowed him to approach everyone and make others feel comfortable in the room. He never met a stranger.
Milt served as the past District Governor of the Punxsutawney Lions Club, former Exalted Ruler of the Elks in Reynoldsville, a member of the John Jenks Masonic Lodge in Punxsutawney and an active member of the Punxsutawney Republicans Club. He was a member of the St. Phillips United Methodist Church of Big Run, spent years active in the Clearfield Jefferson Drug & Alcohol Commission, and Pennsylvania State Education Association. Milt believed in Civic Responsibility and lead by example with multiple organizations.
Mr. Tyler is survived by his children, Douglas “Toby” Tyler (Susan) of Florence, Kentucky, Kimberly Fike (Kevin) of DuBois, Trisha Tyler Feldwisch (Jack) of Loudon, Tennessee, Jodi Tyler of Punxsutawney, Scott Shields of Virginia , Step-daughter Kelly (Gibson) Prebble (Anthony) of Canada; grandchildren, Jenny Tyler Gorby (Ryan), Stephanie Fike McMaster (Marc), Stephen Fike (Karlie), Barbara Tyler Chiplis (Tony), Miranda Shields and Joey Gibson; two great-grandchildren, Lucy and Jack Fike; one sister, Colleen Goodloe (Albert) of El Paso, Texas, brothers-in-law, Pat Duggan of Manhattan, Kansas and Gene Bishop of Plano, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wives, brother, James Benz, and three sisters, Norma Benz, Angie Tyler, and Patricia Duggan.
In accordance to Milt’s wishes, there will be no visitation. However, a celebration of his life will be held at the Solid Rock United Methodist Church in Big Run on Saturday, December 11, 2021, from 11am - 2pm. The Memorial Service officiated by Pastor Joel Fugate will begin immediately after the celebration of life at 2 p.m., followed by military honors by the Jefferson County Veterans Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mr. Tyler’s name to the Punxsutawney VFW Post #2076 or the American Cancer Society.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Milton LeRoy Tyler, please visit our floral store.