Colonel Erven "Skip" Somerville Tyler, USA (RET) of Hampton, Virginia, born on August 9, 1936 in Honolulu, Hawaii, passed away from heart and lung issues at age 81 on March 16, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. Skip spent his younger years in Bellaire, Ohio, with his grandparents before moving to Hampton at the age of 9. He graduated from Hampton High School in 1954 and West Point Military Academy in 1959. For 30 years, he served his country proudly as a Field Artillery Officer in the United States Army. He held many significant positions during his service, including Commandant of a student training battalion at the US Army Field Artillery School at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. His last position before retiring was as Deputy Commandant of the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia. He began his second career as a high school teacher of American History and Spanish at Hampton Roads Academy in Newport News, Virginia, where he earned the love and respect of his students and peers.
Skip was the beloved husband of Nancy Gruttman-Tyler; and former husband of Linda Hinternhoff Tyler. He was preceded in death by his father, Erven Charles Somerville, a 1932 West Point graduate who died as a POW in Japan in 1945 while serving his country in WWII. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Thelma McCabe Tyler, and his stepfather, William C. Tyler, both of Hampton.
Skip’s hobbies were truly unique – He was an avid Civil War historian and artifact collector with many rare and unique items in his prized collection. As a model figure maker, he received the prestigious Grand Masters Award of the Miniature Collectors of America for the many artistic figure models that he handmade. These 1/6 scale military figures were entirely unique within the modelmaking world. Throughout four decades they earned numerous significant awards for historical accuracy, artistic quality, and creative use of practical materials at model shows.
During his time at Hampton Roads Academy, Skip appreciated the opportunity to work with their athletic program as a football and baseball coach during his 14-year tenure. He especially enjoyed working as coach of the women’s softball team. He was passionate about his work with young athletes, both on the field and in the classroom. Another highlight of his teaching experience was leading field trips to the Gettysburg national battleground where he enthusiastically passed on his knowledge of our country’s history. Skip also enjoyed watching sports and riding Virginia’s backroads on his Harley Davidson with Nancy and friends.
Skip is survived by his wife, Nancy Gruttman-Tyler; daughters, Tammy Tyler Jones (Gary) and Kathy Tyler Yevak (Tommy); and son, Erven (Skip) Somerville Tyler, Jr. (Jan); sister, Anne Tyler Beard (Frank); and four beautiful granddaughters, Katie Jones Bailey (Kendall), Kristie Leigh Jones, Lauren Somerville Yevak, and Leanna Phoebus Yevak. He also leaves behind his adored German Shepherd, Flair; and four cats: Elkie “Little Kitty”, GiGi “God’s Gift”, Timmy Too, and Midnight -- all rescued animals who will miss him so much.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish, may donate in Skip's name to Best Friends Animal Society (https://bestfriends.org/donate) or to his unique favorite charity, the Ironwood Pig Sanctuary (http://www.ironwoodpigs.org/support.html).
Special thanks to the many friends, students, and comrades for enriching the final days of Skip’s life with your kind words and strong support through the Caring Bridge website:
(https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/skiptylerthecolonel)
Friends and family members are invited to attend a visitation from 5-8 pm on Tuesday, March 20th at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home located at 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, Virginia, (757) 827-4670. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 24th at 1 pm at Hampton Roads Academy located at 739 Academy Lane, Newport News, Virginia 23602.
