Terry Neal Tyler, the son of William “Benny” Tyler and Evelyn Tyler (Newby), was born on September 4, 1956, in Granite City, Illinois. He passed away peacefully at his home on March 3, 2026, at the age of 69.
Terry grew up in St. Louis County in the Bel-Ridge area and attended Normandy High School. At the age of 18, he began working at McDonnell Douglas, later Boeing, where he dedicated 35 years of service before retiring in 2014.
On December 9, 1988, Terry was united in marriage to Mary Tyler (Lewis). Together, they built a life filled with family, faith, and many shared memories.
Terry accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized in 1968. He was a member of Valley Center Baptist Church.
Terry enjoyed many hobbies and simple pleasures in life. He loved hunting, fishing, watching old western movies, and listening to country western music. He also enjoyed playing the drums, driving his Jeep, taking relaxing drives on his mule, and indulging in his favorite snack cakes and bread. Terry had a special love for animals, especially his cats—Trinity, Lila, Tommy, and Blue—and his dog Lucy.
He was preceded in death by his father, William “Benny” Tyler; his sister-in-law, Pamela Lewis; and his beloved dogs, Pepper, Sadie, and Dolly.
Terry is survived by his loving wife, Mary Tyler; his mother, Evelyn Tyler; his children, William Micheal Tyler (Briana Tyler), Michelle Adams (Robert Adams), and Travis Tyler (Olivia Tyler); and his grandchildren, Dakota McKenzie, Dakota Rodby, Nancy McKenzie-Adams, Cailyn Adams and Aurora Tyler. He is also survived by his brother, Greg Tyler (Connie Tyler); his nieces and nephews, Jennifer Davenport (Dorthy), Kelly Frost (George), Ben Tyler (Cindy), Adam Tyler (Carrie), Matt Tyler (Tarrah), and Laura Lewis; and his brother-in-law, Steve Lewis (Geraldine).
Terry will be remembered for his love of family, his faith, his sense of humor, and the simple joys that made life meaningful to him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
