Harold Seth Tyler

Harold was born on Jan. 3, 1926, to Seth and Jennie Spurrier Tyler in Pioneer, Texas. His father worked for Phillips Petroleum Company. His father's work took the family from Pioneer to Eliasville, Texas, to Sharpe, Kansas and then to Phillips, Texas where Harold graduated from high school in 1944. During World War II, he served in the Philippine Islands. His decorations included the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

After being discharged from the army, he attended the University of Missouri at Columbia, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Like his father, he went to work for Phillips, working in Bartlesville, Okla., Kankakee, Ill. and in Houston. It was in Houston that he met and married Merlene Mills Tyler. Together they raised two boys, Seth and Andy.

Harold's work with Phillips took his family around the world. In 1975, he was transferred to Sasebo, Japan, where he worked as the Phillips representative while building the supertanker, The Phillips America. After the ship was christened, he was transferred to Stavanger, Norway, where he worked as a metallurgist until he retired in 1986.

Harold and Merlene retired to Lakeway, Texas, where they built their dream home and had many family gatherings. Harold was a lifelong Methodist, and was active in every church he attended, teaching Sunday School, serving as treasurer and on the church council. He was a quiet man who never drew attention to himself. He gave sound advice to his children and was always patient and kind to everyone.

Harold was preceded in death by Merlene, his wife of 53 years; his parents; and his brother Ralph Tyler.

He is survived by his sons, Seth and wife, Barbara, of Santaquin, Utah, and Andy of Cleburne; granddaughters, Diane and Rachel Tyler; sisters-in-law, Verba Mills, Anita Mills and Janice Tyler.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either St. Mark United Methodist Church of Cleburne, 1111 W. Chambers St., Cleburne, Texas 76033 or to the Alzheimer's Association.