Thomas E Tyler

Born October 23, 1936 in Evansville, Indiana to Thomas A. and Ruby (Rogers) Tyler, he married Ruth Ann Farling on July 12, 1958 in Ottawa. She survives.

Also surviving are five sons, Rick (Erika) Tyler of Clinton, Gary (Dawn) Tyler of Bloomington, Ron (Jonna) Tyler of Peoria, Roger (Rachel) Tyler of Pleasant Plains, and Daniel (Dawn) Tyler of South Pekin; one daughter, Sue Stone of Pekin; twenty-three grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one brother, Jack (Melody) Tyler of Brandon, Florida; and one sister, Henrietta Hedgepath of Lakeland, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter, Jenelle Tyler; and two sisters, Iris Anderson and Shirley Woods.

Tom was a 1956 graduate of Ottawa High School and later graduated from the Peoria Barber College.

He owned Tom Tyler’s Barber Shop in Pekin for 43 years, retiring in 2008. Previously, he had worked at Caterpillar, Inc. in Aurora, Libby-Owens in Ottawa, and on a barge in Joliet.

Tom had a heart for church leadership. He helped begin and was a member of the Open Bible Church in Green Valley and later in Delavan, where he also was the song leader. He was a former member and elder of First Assembly of God in Pekin. He attended Community Fellowship Church in South Pekin.

Tom enjoyed reading the Bible, woodworking, traveling, and watching sports, especially football. His family was very important to him and he loved to go to his children’s and grandchildren’s events. Tom also loved his barber shop customers.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Community Fellowship Church in South Pekin. Pastor Joey Watt will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin and from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Burial will be at Green Valley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to FamilyCore, 330 Southwest Washington Street, Peoria, IL 61602 or to Community Fellowship Church, 110 Main Street, South Pekin, IL 61564.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com