John Tyler of San Angelo passed away on May 16, 2024, at the age 88. John was a man of solid character, firm convictions, and strong faith. He was curious and his inquisitiveness and keen intellect drove all his pursuits. A successful businessman, serviceman, and church member, John leaves behind a lasting legacy that will be remembered by all who were lucky enough to know him.
Born on April 4, 1936, in Collinsville, Oklahoma, John was the only child of Anna and Ralph Tyler. Childhood memories of growing up on their farm include plowing, planting, harvesting and baling hay, but also fishing, hunting, and tinkering with tractors and vehicles with his dad. John was a member of FFA, had a short career on the high school football team, and played clarinet in the band. During high school, he had a Harley-Davidson motorcycle which he rode all over northeast Oklahoma. Senior year, his dad bought him a rundown ‘31 Model A Roadster and together they replaced fenders, running boards, and upholstery. Then they repainted it and added a new top - and she was a beauty! That was the start of John’s life-long love of cars. Meticulously restoring classic cars brought him much joy; his favorite by far was the 1960 Porsche 356B, a daily driver he owned for 42 years. He was a member of the Sports Car Club of America.
John graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Industrial Engineering, majoring in Petroleum Engineering and Management. While in college, he was in ROTC. He was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, and organized a hot rod club called the Slo-Pokes. In 1980, John received an MBA from St. Edward’s University in Austin, graduating top of his class.
Service in the United States Army and the US Army Reserve was a testament to John’s devotion and patriotism. Upon graduation from OSU, he started his military career as a 2nd Lt. in the Transportation Corps. At the end of basic training, he was interviewed by a Pentagon Colonel and selected to spend his active-duty commitment in Washington DC with the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics at the Pentagon. After 2 years at the Pentagon, John returned to Tulsa and sought out a Reserve Unit to join. He was determined to get into the Special Warfare School that trained the newly established Special Forces. John qualified for the unit completing both the qualifying Jump School and the Special Warfare School in 1963. John stayed in Special Forces for 12 years, making over 20 jumps. He graduated from Command and General Staff College and the Air War College, both considered to be master’s degrees. John was in an airborne infantry brigade in the Texas National Guard and taught at the US Army Reserve in Austin until he retired in 1985. After 24 years of service, he had attained the high rank of Lt. Colonel.
John’s long journey through the world of engineering employment was marked by growth and advancement. He began his career as a Production Engineer for Sunray DX in Tulsa, then Midland. He married in 1961 and his daughter, Susan, was born in Tulsa in 1963. The family moved to Marshalltown, Iowa, where he served as Production Engineer for Modern Move and later for Fisher Controls. When a better position became available in Austin, TX, the family left the cold and headed south. John served as Manufacturing Manager of Lincoln Living, a high-end, fabricated homes company before accepting the position of Engineering Manager of John Roberts/ArtCarved Class Rings.
In 1979, John married the love of his life, Linda (Rountree), in Austin. When his mother fell ill, John and Linda moved to Oklahoma to be closer to her. John became the Manufacturing Manager at BS&B Safety Systems in Tulsa, then at Tarby in Claremore, OK. In 1996, the Tylers moved to San Angelo to be near Linda’s family. He retired to teach Management classes at Angelo State University and work for Hirschfeld Steel, Epley Enterprises, and Safe Car. John felt that each of these positions pushed him further professionally, and helped him align his personal values, passion, and goals.
Always active, John was an avid runner in his younger days. While living in Austin, he participated in the very first Capital 10K and many races thereafter. He enjoyed boating, climbing (including Guadalupe Peak), rappelling, and even spelunking. Throughout his life, John was curious and proudly thought of himself as a life-long learner. He enjoyed reading about history, the foundations of government, finances and, of course, cars. He was an active member of the Sierra Vista United Methodist Church and volunteered at Community Medical Center for many years.
Nothing was more important to John than his family and he loved them fiercely. When asked, John said he wanted to be remembered as a wonderful, loving husband, father and grandfather, a loyal friend, a faithful Christian, a successful and diligent military officer, a devoted and responsible citizen, a wonderful provider for his family, and a hard-working, intelligent individual who always tried to do the right thing. It is a fitting description and explains some of the reasons why we will all miss him so much.
John is survived by his wife, Linda Rountree Tyler, his daughter Susan Tyler (David) Bell of Austin, granddaughter Zoe Bell (Andrew) Stockton of Charlotte, NC, grandson Charles Tyler Bell and partner Aliyah Conley Hauser of Austin, brother-in-law Randy Rountree of Stephenville, nephew Randy Rountree of Georgetown, sister-in-law and brother-In-law Sharon Rountree (Dave) Hollenback, niece Christina Hollenback, all of Syracuse, NY, and cousin Seabo Rountree of Gonzales.
Service will be at 2 pm, Tuesday, May 28 at Sierra Vista UMC. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to a church or charity of your choice.
The family could not be more thankful for the wonderful, loving care from PCP Jerrie Smithwick, Sagecrest Care Center staff (at Baptist Memorial) and Hospice of San Angelo.
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