Charles W. Tyler

Chuck was born March 13, 1919, in Chicago, Illinois, to Stella Heisler Tyler, a housekeeper, and Alfred Matthias Tyler, a master plumber. He had an active, happy childhood and proudly graduated from Lane Technical High School in 1936.

Chuck joined the National Guard in 1939 and went on to serve in World War II. His tour of duty included North Africa, Italy and France. He saw combat at the Arno River and in the Battle of the Bulge.

He met the love of his life, Miss Hannah E. Yates, born in 1919, while stationed at Camp Forrest in Tennessee. They married in November 1943, before his deployment to Europe. They were married 68 years and had five children: Ann Marie, born 1944; Virginia Louise, born 1946; Joseph William, born 1948; Carol Ann, born 1951; and James Alfred, born 1960. He is grandfather to Laurel Ann, Case Charles, Hannah Elizabeth, Joanna Katherine, Julia May, Ava Elizabeth and Zoe Ann, and great-grandfather to Sylvia and Mathias.

Chuck and Hannah, whom he affectionately called “Red,” were a lively, much loved couple with many friends. They lived in Chicago, Tennessee, the Saranac Lake area and Clinton. Hannah passed away Feb. 4, 2012.

Chuck was blessed with many qualities. He was capable, resourceful, outgoing, amusing, eccentric and determined, to name a few. You couldn’t keep him down. He kept himself busy with projects, large and small, and had a tool for everything – and if he didn’t have one, he’d figure out how to make one. He liked dancing with Hannah, having dogs around, and spending time with family and friends.

Charles was engaged with the community. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He labored 50 years as a plumber and was a brother with the Chicago Plumbers Union, Local 130. He supported the mission of the Sisters of Providence.

Charles was laid to his eternal rest with full military honors in the Tyler family plot at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, Illinois. Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s or Catholic Charities. Online condolences can be made at www.fristfuneralhome.com.