Tyler James Gorcie

SSgt Tyler James Gorcie, 34, a rainbow baby born 6/17/91 of Brookshire, TX, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025, at home in the comforting arms of his Wife and Mother. He is survived by his Wife, Kristen Leigh Gorcie, Mother, Tina M. Gorcie (late father Thomas J. Gorcie), Father-in-law Jorge Barca (late mother-in-law Linda Barca), Sister, Toni Rae Craig (Hunter), Son, Brantley Escobar-Gorcie, Brother Brent Gorcie (Emily), Devoted service dog, Nova, Aunts/Uncles from Mahomet, IL, Buffalo, NY and Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, Nephews Nolan and Maddon Craig, Niece Ella Gorcie and several Cousins.

SSgt Gorcie enlisted into the US Marine Corps on July 9, 2009, sworn in January 2010 and left for his first deployment in 2010 as a Combat Engineer attached to the 3/5 Darkhorse, Kilo Company. The Book, One Million Steps by Bing West was written capturing that infamous deployment and encounters with enemy forces. He later embarked on two more deployments, one being a MEU mission including the final tour for the USS Pelileu. After serving 11 years in the USMC active and reserves, he transferred to the Army National Guard in May 2021where he served as a Sgt., Military Police with the 514th. During his reservist years, he also attended Liberty University and was honored to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies, Magna Cum Laude. SSgt Gorcie discovered in June 2022 that his headaches were not migraines, but were caused by an aggressive brain tumor, identified as Astrocytoma with mutation, related to the burn pits in Afghanistan. The tumor was removed, but the many legs that developed were already deep into the brain and could only be treated. He was given 3-5 years to live his life. He moved from North Carolina where he was stationed with the National Guard, to Brookshire, TX to begin constant treatment at MD Anderson. After several chemotherapy attempts and then 20 consecutive daily proton radiation treatments, it was discovered the tumor areas had no real positive effects and continued to grow, eventually engulfing the brain stem which resulted in his final breath.

In his last week, Tyler was blessed with visits and calls from his closest friends & military family, his USMC recruit and childhood friend, E4 Cpl, Squad Leader, Adam Goestch (wife Dr. Joey), USMC, Captain Steven Baker, US Army, North Carolina, SSgt Billy Badgley, USMC, North Carolina, SSgt Rechelle Leann Hoppers, USMC, (Whitney) Louisiana, Sgt Seamus Patrick McGowan, USMC, California and MGySgt Padraig Joseph McGowan, USMC ret. California. It was a week of memories for him, including going to Black Rifle Coffee for games of chess and chatting and receiving a face time call from (Lone Survivor) Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell, someone he wanted to treat to lunch to just chat, something on his bucket list. An avid computer gamer like his father, countless friends from around the country had reached out to him.

Final wishes are for his ashes to be divided, half to be placed at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Houston, TX to honor his years of military service, and half to be scattered from a ship off the coast of Cancun as close to the placement of his Father’s as possible.

The Family would like to thank the Brain and Spine Team at MD Anderson Hospital for trying all in their power to find a cure for Tyler’s rare cancer type, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Center for giving him hope and tremendous care to regain mind and body strength, Acara Hospice who extended their services above and beyond in treating Tyler with the utmost of dignity, and in comforting the family through the process and last but not least, the staff at Katy Funeral Home for once again giving us worry-free assistance during a very difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, please offer your Memorial Donation to the Heart of Acara Foundation, 601 Graham Road, College Station, TX 77845, ATTN: Charli Smith, Director, 979-661-7441.