Thomas Tyler, 92, of Granger, Indiana, died peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2026, in the comfort of his family’s presence. He was cherished not only for his remarkable achievements, but mostly for the warmth, wisdom, and generosity he shared with family, friends, and his community.
His life began January 31, 1933 in Illinois, the second of three sons born to Robert and Dorotha (Taylor) Tyler. His early years were spent in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, before moving to Niles, Michigan where he attended high school.
Tom met the love of his life, Kaye, at a baseball game in the summer of 1950. They married in April 1952 and lived in Hanover, New Hampshire where he attended Dartmouth College. While majoring in engineering and running track, he became father to Terry and Steve. He graduated from Dartmouth and Thayer School of Engineering, where he also taught thermodynamics.
He served in the Army for a short time before returning to Niles to join the family business, Tyler Refrigeration. A highlight was living in Lucerne, Switzerland for three years in the mid-1960’s where he grew the company across Europe.
Tom and Kaye welcomed Jenny to the family after moving back to Niles. Tragically, Steve died at age sixteen, from leukemia.
Tom transitioned to Clark Equipment Company in Buchanan and led their international division. He was responsible for developing business across Mexico and South America, and traveled extensively. After a stint with Wheelabrator Frye in New Hampshire, Tom and family moved to Huntington, Indiana where he served and ultimately retired as president of Shuttleworth Inc.
Following retirement, Tom and Kaye moved to Granger, Indiana. They purchased a home in Venice, Florida — mostly so Kaye would have a warm place to stay in the winter while Tom enjoyed multiple annual ski trips with buddies from Niles and Dartmouth.
When Kaye passed in 2018, they had been married for sixty-five years. Tom missed her dearly every day and surrounded himself with things that reminded him of her in their home where he remained until his own passing.
Tom had a lifelong enthusiasm for sports. He was a member of the Niles High School 1950 State Championship Track Team and was an individual State Champion in the 880 (yard) event. He rooted for Terry in track and cross-country in high school and college. And he forever rooted for the Fighting Irish.
He loved sailing and started with Sunfish and then raced C-Scows and MC’s on Indian Lake. Along with friends from Huntington, Indiana, he and Kaye co-owned a 30’ sailboat on Lake Wawasee that they dubbed “Why Not.”
He was a passionate snow skier and took annual ski trips with his buddies well into his eighties. Big Sky, Montana, was his favorite spot in the Rockies. He taught Terry and Steve to ski in Switzerland; he taught Jenny to ski at Boyne Mountain.
Dartmouth College was a special place to Tom. He was proud that his brothers, his children, a nephew, and a granddaughter all attended Dartmouth. He served in many ways after he left Hanover (executive committee for class of 1954, alumni council, and prospective student interviewer). He remained a generous contributor to the college and Thayer School to the end.
International travel for business and pleasure was consistent throughout Tom’s life. The Pan-Am world map cork board is covered with little red pins. He traveled to too-many-to-count countries. Japan topped the list in terms of frequency and his expertise. Tom and Kaye enjoyed many cruises internationally post-retirement including South America and Antarctica, southeast Asia, Russia and Africa. A highlight was a cruise along the Alaskan coastline in 1996 with the entire family.
Community service was a priority for Tom. He served in leadership capacities for many organizations including the American Management Association, as Trustee of Huntington University, the Huntington Chamber of Commerce and multiple church committees. Continuing a legacy established by his grandparents, Tom extolled the importance of education, which he generously supported with his expertise, leadership and financial contributions.
In his final few years, Tom found a welcoming home at the First Presbyterian Church of Buchanan. He joined the Niles Optimist Club. His “pod” over the last few years meant a great deal to him. The weekly routine including breakfasts, dinners, church and “brunch” at Ho Ping kept him going. He most enjoyed simple pleasures like smoking his pipe or sitting on the porch at the cottage on Indian Lake every Saturday evening in the summertime.
Tom’s legacy will be as an exemplary husband and father; a role model and mentor to many; and a generous community servant. He has left a lasting influence on the Tyler Family and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Tom will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his son Terence Tyler, (Gisele) Shelton, Connecticut; daughter Jennifer Tyler, (Lee Allard) Grand Rapids, Michigan; grandchildren Kathleen Walania (Eric), Christine Dansereau (Scott), Devon Tyler, Lauren Allard, Stephen Tyler (Emily), and Lindsey Allard; great grandchildren Christian Walania, Claire Walania, Edward Dansereau, and Juliet Dansereau; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Kathryn; brothers Bob Jr. and Tim Tyler; and son Stephen.
Family and friends will gather for a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2026 in the First Presbyterian Church, 13 South 4th Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.
He will be laid to rest in Silverbrook Cemetery next to his beloved Kaye.
The family prefers memorial donations in Tom’s name be directed to the Niles-Buchanan YMCA Youth Scholarship Fund, 905 North Front Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com.
Service Schedule
Upcoming Services
Memorial Service
Friday, May 29, 2026
Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)
First Presbyterian Church
13 S 4th St, Niles, MI 49120
Posted On: Thursday, February 5, 2026 4:00 PM
