Tom M. Tyler Sr.

Tom Melvin Tyler was born June 10, 1944, to Edna “Pat” and Melvin “Bud” Tyler in Des Moines, Iowa. His work ethic began at an early age. His dad would take him to school, but before his dad got home, Tom would already be on the garbage route they had.

Tom met the love of his life, Gwen Schrader. The couple was united in marriage February 9, 1977. Along with his children Tom Jr. and Lynnette, they were blessed with four more children: John, Miles, Shantel and Wyatt.

Tom loved being on the road. He spent fifty years driving a truck, sometimes gone three months at a time if times were tough, but he never missed Thanksgiving or Christmas with his family. He retired from his driving career from Mid-Continent in 2018. Over his career, he travelled over 5 million safe miles.

Tom really didn’t have any hobbies. If he wasn’t on the road, being home with his family was all he needed. He never missed the Boy Scout camping trips with his boys and ballgames while home. He even made a special point to go to Minnesota and Florida to the Taekwondo tournaments with the kids. If you ever needed to know where something was around the United States, whether it be fuel, restaurants, etc., Tom was the one to ask.

Tom always had a hug and a kiss for his family. When it was time for him to hit the road, he told the kids to “line up” so he could give them hugs and kisses. If you know Tom, he always had a huge smile on his face and perhaps a story or two. He could be ornery and loved to pick on others.

Tom will be dearly missed by his wife, Gwen; children: Tom Tyler Jr., Lynnette McGinnis, John Tyler, Miles Tyler, Shantel (Jason) Brooks, and Wyatt (Ashlee) Tyler; 9 grandchildren: Austin and Christopher McGinnis, Payton and Ryleigh Tyler, Gabriel and Clarissa Brooks, and Roselynn, Tesla, and Fallon Tyler; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Madonna and John Kadera; and nephew, Tyler Kadera; and many relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pat and Bud; step-parents, Judy and Russ; and brother, Charlie.

The service will be livestreamed through the following link: https://my.gather.app/remember/tom-tyler-sr