Emmitt Melvin Tyler Sr.
Emmitt Melvin Tyler, Sr. 69, of Terre Haute went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 8, 2014. He was born June 12, 1944 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Joseph and Nellie Redmon Tyler. Emmitt was a perfect husband and father, who loved God and his family. He was an outstanding athlete in football and track while attending Garfield High School and Indiana State University. He taught mathematics and coached football and track at Gerstmeyer Tech and Terre Haute North High School. He retired from Vigo County School Corporation in 2003. After retirement he later taught part-time at IVY TECH Community College. He was a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church in Terre Haute, Indiana; Co-Director of Teaming up for the Future (TUFF); African American Male Mentors for Vigo County School Corporation; Prince Hall Lodge #4 F.A.M.; Bethlehem Chapter #6, O.E.S.; Past Worthy Patron and Past District Patron, District #3 O.E.S.; and Life Member of NAACP.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Nellie Tyler; two sisters: Hilda Tyler and Charlotte Myers; and two brothers: Joseph Leonard Tyler and Reverend Clarence Nelson Tyler. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Debra Matthews Tyler; two adorable sons: Emmitt Melvin Tyler, II (Ariel) of Terre Haute, Indiana and Ethan Matthews Tyler of Indian Harbour Beach, Florida; three beautiful Goddaughters: LaVennia Anthony, Tisa Tyler McCants, and Tandi Tyler; two sisters: Geneva Rosemary Tyler and Beverly Franklin of Indianapolis, Indiana; five brothers: Otis Calvin Tyler (Phyllis) of Indianapolis, Indiana, Bishop Sherman Tyler (Alice) of Duncan, Oklahoma, Herschel Tyler (Mary) of Indianapolis, Indiana, Russell Tyler (Suzzette) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Ralph Tyler (Jessie) of Indianapolis, Indiana; one aunt: Jennie Louise Stewart; mother-in-law, Jeanette Matthews; four brother-in-laws: Donald R. Matthews (Joyce), Dr. Melvin D. Matthews (Claressa), John A. Matthews (Teresa), Craig D. Matthews (Stephanie); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and special family members: Carolyn, Tasha, and Glenn Tyler Roberts, and Ashaun Miller.
Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 18th, 2014, at Second Missionary Baptist Church: 1400 Oak Street. Visitation will be at Second Missionary Baptist on Friday, January 17th, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00a.m. until 10:40 a.m. Interment will be at Stewart Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to DeBaun Funeral Homes Wabash Ave Chapel, 2425 Wabash Ave.