Jerry Tyler

Jerry Wayne “Toby” Tyler, 81, joined his “Elvira” in their heavenly home on September 24, 2024. Jerry was born in a small house in Cross Plains to the late Oscar and Jolly Faye Tyler. Jerry grew up with three sisters: Joyce, Lynda, and Debbie. Jerry graduated from Cross Plains High School in 1961. After graduating high school, he completed technical college and enlisted in the National Guard, serving for two years. Around 1970, he met the love of his life, Evelyn. Jerry and Evelyn started their life together on July 10, 1972. They had two sons, Eric Tyler and Mark Tyler. Jerry spent his spare time teaching his sons how to hunt, fish, and fix things. Jerry had a passion for fixing things. He loved solving mechanical problems and could fix things no one else could. Jerry was known for making things work that shouldn’t work and making something fit that shouldn’t fit. Jerry was innovative; he and his co-workers at Superior designed machines that the company had used for years. Jerry’s infamous shop held many projects that he worked on for people. It was typical to drive up to Jerry’s shop and see him working on a motor, compressor, machine, or whatever else needed fixing. It was also not unusual to drive up to his shop and see five or six men standing around a deer that needed cleaning. Jerry’s mechanical inclination carried over into his sons, who enjoyed working on motors and cars with him. Jerry’s oldest son, Eric, took a special liking to race cars, which they worked on together. Jerry and his youngest son, Mark, shared a passion for deer hunting. Jerry taught Mark how to clean his own deer after spending way too many long nights cleaning them for him. Jerry also loved classic cars and took part in assembling a few of his own. He took them to several car shows and parades, where he showed off his hard work. Jerry was easy-going and had a great sense of humor. Jerry was humble and took pride in his work and family. After retiring from his job of over 40 years at Superior Essex, Jerry spent a lot of time with his grandchildren, taking them on trips and teaching them numerous things. Jerry spent many summers with his grandchildren and taught them to love Blue Bell ice cream. Jerry’s love for his wife, children, and grandchildren is indescribable. His family and friends will forever remember him.

Jerry is survived by his son, Eric Tyler, and wife, Amy Tyler; his son, Mark Tyler, and wife, Traci Tyler; his grandchildren, Hallie Steele and husband, Blake Steele, Tyson Tyler, Lexi Tyler, Luke Tyler, Alexis Ray, Ethan Tyler, Riley Richards, and Ruston Richards; and great-grandson, Beau Steele. His sisters, Joyce Jones, Lynda Edington, and Debbie Reed also survived him.