Wayne "Bud" Tyler

Wayne Douglas Tyler, 87, traveled into the open arms of Jesus with family by his side on March 17, 2015, after suffering with Alzheimer’s for several years. He was born in Newburg, MO on October 15, 1927 to Walter and Hazel (Cook) Tyler of Waynesville, MO. He graduated from Waynesville High School in 1945 and joined the United States Navy. Soon after being stationed at Great Lakes Naval base, World War II ended, and he was discharged. He graduated from Southwest Missouri State in 1950. He taught and coached in Eugene, MO where he met the love of his life, Bonnie G. Bear. On March 22, 1952, they eloped to Harrison, Arkansas. To that union three children were born: daughter, Ginger (Jess) Woodman of Godfrey, son, Mark (Melanie) Tyler of Cape Fair, MO, and daughter, Wendy (Bryan) Roady of Godfrey. Seven grandchildren: Chad (Meredith) Woodman of Alton, Ryan (Samantha) Woodman of Brighton, Ben (Megan) Tyler of Greenville, Joe Tyler of Cincinnati, OH, Tiffany Rettke of Sedalia, MO, Jordyn and Brittany Roady of Godfrey. Ten great-grandchildren: Clay, Elle, Owen, Lilly, and Kailey Woodman, Macie and Josie Tyler, and Dawson, Madison, and Carson Rettke. One sister-in-law, Susie Pryor of Osage Beach, MO and Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Wayne coached and taught in Eugene, Iberia, and Pacific, MO before moving to Alton, IL in 1958 to be closer to family. During his thirty years in the Alton School District, he taught Physical Education and Driver’s Education. After a few years of coaching all sports at the junior high school, Mr. Tyler began coaching baseball at Alton High School in 1962. Because of his winning record, Coach Tyler was inducted in 1982 into the Illinois Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. His teams won five Southwestern Conference Championships, six District Championships, and made three Final Four State appearances. He was honored twice by the Alton School District by being inducted into the Wall of Fame. Wayne loved The Lord. He attended and served as an elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Godfrey, IL. He had also served as an ordained deacon at Alton First Southern Baptist. Being a lifetime member of Alton Optimist Club, he was involved heavily with activities to support the area youth. When he wasn’t serving and helping others, he enjoyed fishing, taking walks, watching Cardinal baseball, playing cards, and traveling with family (Edna Ruth and Hubert Cantrell) and friends, Fred and Laverne Schwappach and Ralph and MaryLou McClain. Preceding him in death were his parents, parents-in-law, Madison and Sadie Bear, two sisters and brothers-in-law, Wilma Jean (George) McDonald of Edmonton, Alberta, and Edna Ruth (Hubert) Cantrell of Houston, TX, and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Arthur and Lena Bear of Eldon, MO, David and Myra Bear of Godfrey, IL, Marie and Robert Stillwell of Alton, and Harold Pryor of Tuscumbia, MO. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 19, 2015 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1433 W. Delmar, Godfrey, IL, and continue from 10:00 a.m. until time of a Celebration Service at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2015. Pastor Adrian Das will officiate. In memory of this loving husband, father, and grandfather, memorial contributions may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church or wounded Warriors. The family would like to thank the staff at Eunice Smith Home for the loving care they gave to “Bud” and his wife during his four years with them. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. PDF Printable Version

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Wayne "Bud" Tyler

October 15, 1927 - March 17, 2015