Tyler David Cox

Tyler David Cox, 19, of Chatham, lost his life in a tragic accident late Monday evening, July 31, 2017. He was born October 17, 1997 in Springfield, IL to Jeremy David Cox and Colby Lynn Vail. He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Joe Vail and an uncle, Daniel Spoon. Tyler started his wrestling career as a 4th grader and continued through his Senior year at GHS; he would visit the Chatham wrestling kids club to give the youngsters a word of encouragement and show them wrestling moves. He was a role model for younger kids and they were drawn to him. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and the Firefighters Postal Lake Club. Tyler graduated from Glenwood High School in 2016; he attended CACC for 2 years, studying law enforcement. After graduation, he worked with Papa at Nelson Wall Systems, and had also worked at Chatham County Market and Texas Road House. Tyler was excited about advancing his new career as a security guard with Allied Universal. Although his ultimate dream was to be a famous WWE wrestler. Tyler also had future plans about going into the military, and he had recently spoken to recruiters from the Air Force and Army. He also served as a volunteer at APL. Tyler never knew a stranger, he would help anyone in need, from changing a tire to jumping a dead battery for stranded motorist. He was known to be outgoing, having a wonderful sense of humor, being a goofy kid/class clown and was always the center of attention. People were drawn to him. He was so full of love and had a heart of gold. He enjoyed being outdoors, mudding, fishing, playing sports and traveling. His family visited places like the Colorado, New Orleans, Bahamas, Tennessee, and Myrtle Beach as a multi-generational group. He loved his pets, Cena and Izzy, more than anything, from cuddling up with them on their doggy beds to getting Cenas paw print tattooed on his shoulder. His family described him as strong, brave, fearless, handsome, with the most beautiful sky-blue eyes, who loved life and lit up a room. Tyler and his younger sister, Jaelyn, were very close and referred to each other as best friends; as a young child, she started calling him brother instead of his name. He was so touched by that, he had brother tattooed on his arm for her. He always served as her protector. Tyler will be greatly missed by his mother, Colby Vail and sister, Jaelyn Cox of Chatham and father, Jeremy Cox of Virden; grandparents, Lore and Bill Wood of Auburn, D-Anna and Jerry Handy of Springfield, Dave Cox of Virden; great-grandparents, Sandra Spoon of Virden, Caroline Thompson of Taylorville, Linda Wood of Carlinville and Dot Copelin of Auburn; several aunts and uncles including, Jodi and Andy Horrell of Waterloo, IL, Jesse and Ally Vail of Taylorville, Alisha Wood and Alex Wood of Auburn; cousins, Dalton, Bella and William Vail, Drew, Brynlie, and Colin Horrell, Aleena Shores, and Danny Spoon; as well as his extended family in Virden, all of his friends and his wrestling family. His family will greet friends at a remembrance reception, from 1pm-3pm on Sunday, August 6, at Sangamon Prairie Reception Center, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham. A celebration of Tylers life will directly follow at 3pm. Cremation rites will be accorded before services by Cremation Services of Central Illinois, Chatham. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a college fund for his sister, Jaelyn.