Allen B. Cpt. Tyler

With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Capt. Allen Bradley Tyler, USAF, Ret March 8, 2011. Allen, age 61 and of Danish Ancestry, was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Eva Jensen and Enos Tyler. In his youth, the family moved to California for several years and then relocated to Fort Worth, Texas where he graduated from Arlington Heights High School. After graduation, he joined the Marine Corps and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Waddell Tyler. Following two tours of service in Vietnam, he completed his degree at UT Arlington and was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Air Force. Allen was a man whose many talents served the Air Force well. During his military career he served as Public Affairs Officer, Technical Writer, Graphic Artist and Computer Engineer. During these years, he and Mary were blessed with two sons, Eric Bradley and Kristopher Ryan. His last assignment was Kelly AFB where he retired. Allen's artistic talents included a variety of mediums including pen and ink, batik, stained glass, wood crafting and custom furniture. He enjoyed sports, especially a round of golf with his sons and supporting his favorite teams the Dallas Cowboys and the San Antonio Spurs.

Allen was a devoted family man. He treasured his role as husband, father and grandfather. During his marriage to Mary, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, as her disease progressed, Allen tenderly cared for her until her passing in 1996 and then continued as a dedicated single parent. He then married Rebecca Koller and embraced her sons, Michael Dale, Daniel Evan and David Wesley, as his own. Together, Allen and Becky loved and nurtured their five sons to be the outstanding men they are today. During his later life, Allen faced several serious illnesses, including his own struggle with Multiple Sclerosis and a stroke. He met each challenge with his tough Marine spirit and endurance, prevailing when others would have given up the fight. His last struggle was a hard fought battle with cancer. One of Allen's greatest joys was the birth of grandson Ethan in 2009. Allen cherished this wonderful child, and in his last days, voiced regret that he would not live to see Ethan grow to manhood nor know his future grandchildren. To family and friends, Al was affectionately known as "the Dude", "Pops", and "Mr. Al".

Allen was predeceased by his father, Enos Tyler, and first wife, Mary Waddell Tyler. Survivors include his wife Becky and their sons; Eric Tyler LeighAnn and grandson Ethan, Kris Tyler Rebecca, Mike Koller Rebecca and children Alex and Candace, Daniel Koller and David Koller; his mother Eva Jensen Hoffman and step-father Bill Hoffman, brother Frank Tyler Debby and family, step-brother Steve Hoffman Llana, step-sister Nancy Collins, sister-in-law Jane Rosamond Paul and daughters Wendy and Anne, Brian and Tabby Copper whom he loved as a son and daughter-in-law along with their children Cory, Madison and Zachary, and numerous extended family.

Words cannot express how much this brave man is loved by his family and treasured by all who knew him. So much will be missing from our lives, but his legacy will live on through his sons and grandchildren. Rest in peace, Allen, yours was a life well lived.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the medical staff, support team, and caregivers in the Oncology/Hematology Clinic at Wilford Hall Medical Center and Amedisys Hospice Services, especially Dr. Michael Osswald, Dr. Jocelyn Zarate, James Braddy, Daniel Castillo, Terry Lee, Sue Locastro, Kathleen McVey, Cheryl Studdard and Chaplin Larry E. Davis. The family also thanks those many friends whose prayers and kindness comforted Allen and sustained us through many difficult days. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Allen's name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Lone Star Chapter, 9830 Colonnade Blvd., Ste. 130, San Antonio, TX 78230-2203 or CaringBridge, PO Box 6032, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6632 or visit website, www.caringbridge.org/visit/allentyler.

Graveside service will be Friday, March 18, 2011, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, with Chaplain Larry E. Davis officiating.

You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.porterloring.com