Jack Leroy Tyler

      Jack Leroy Tyler, age 76, of Elsie, MI, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2023, surrounded by his family at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns.

     A Memorial Service will be held at Elsie United Methodist Church, Elsie, MI, on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Ava Euper officiating.  Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 P.M. at the church. A luncheon will follow immediately after the memorial service.  A gathering for a bonfire, snacks, and visiting will be held at the Tyler home following the memorial service at 6:00 P.M.

     Jack was born in Owosso, Michigan on August 4, 1946, the son of Richard and Thelma Arlene (Lindberg) Tyler. Jack graduated from Owosso High School, with the class of 1964. He married Kathryn Harmon on December 24, 1977, in Elsie, MI.

    Jack proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He was a machinist mate on the USS Bordelon.  After the service he went to work at Lear in Elsie and retired in 2003.  Jack and his wife Kathy owned and operated Tyler’s Diner from 2001-2009 in Elsie.  He helped out on his daughter and son-in-law’ farm and milked his first cow at the age of 60. Jack and Kathy served as grand marshals for the Elsie Dairy Festival in 2008.  He was a member of the North South Skirmish Association for many years.  He was a member of the Elsie United Methodist Church where he also ran their sound system.  Jack enjoyed line dancing, drinking coffee, and reading the newspaper, and spending time with his family.

    He is survived by his wife Kathy Tyler of Elsie, MI; three children: Donna and Eric Smith of Azle, TX; Elizabeth and Timothy Heinze of Sheboygan, WI; Shayne and Debbie Tyler of St. Johns, MI; grandchildren:  Serina, Alex (LaTonya), Jacinda (Fiancé Alex), Shelbie (Ben), Jasmine, and Kariana; and great-grandchildren: Ava and Ezra.  He is also survived by his twin sister Jacqueline Souders of Ovid, MI; brother Rex Tyler of Taylor, MI; brothers and sisters-in-law: Richard Harmon of Ovid, MI; Mary Rummell of Owosso, MI; Bill and Tammi Harmon of St. Johns, MI; nieces and nephews: Chris and Lacey Tyler, Amanda and Adrian Smith, Timothy and Brandi Tyler, Jessica and Kurt Rupprecht, Bill and Colleen Souders, and Pam Krull; and many great-nieces and nephews. He also is survived by his good friend Don Lloyd.  He was preceded in death by his parents, three grandchildren: Tyler, Kathryn, and Faith Heinze, and infant sister Rita Tyler.

     Memorials may be made to the National Niemann Pick Disease Foundation. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.