Obituaries

Tyler R. Secrest, 24

Tyler R. Secrest, 24, of Lorton, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, November 18, 2012 in Virginia.

Born in Ashland, KY, he was the son of Dr. Joel W. and Lynn Thiemann Secrest.

Tyler was a Distinguished Graduate of the Virginia Military Institute Class of 2011, from which he graduated with a BA in International Studies and a double major in Modern Languages and Culture, and a minor in history. He enjoyed traveling, visiting such destinations as Europe and South America. He also enjoyed horseback riding, music and photography.

He had been working as a sales representative for VAMAC Inc. of Manassas, Virginia.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his siblings: Connor, Spenser and Alexa Secrest all of Lancaster; his paternal grandmother Marie Secrest of Coshocton, OH; his maternal grandmother Mildred Thiemann of Louisville, KY; his great uncle John Latchic of Cambridge, OH and several aunts, uncles, cousins and a multitude of friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Robert W. Secrest and his maternal grandfather Frank H. Thiemann, Jr.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 from 6 to 8 PM at the Charles F. Snyder Jr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA. Friends will again be received on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Rd., Lancaster, PA from 10-11AM, with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11AM, Msgr. Richard Youtz as Celebrant. Interment in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Tyler’s memory to Marine Military Academy Development, 320 Iwo Jima Blvd, Harlingen, TX 78550-9980 or to VMI Foundation, Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450. To send an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100

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Condolences to the Family

October 10, 2022

So hard to believe it will soon be 10 years since you were here.  Often think of our conversations and the laughs we shared.  Much love to you and I know you are at peace my handsome friend.

May 07, 2020

Still think of you often, Tyler. Miss you, man. Was so blessed to know you. Your BR, John

For the Secrest Family
Please accept our deepest sympathy and most sincere condolences on Tyler’s untimely passing.  We came to know him over his visits at Giles’ and Chris’ house.  He was a very personable and talented young man and we always enjoyed talking with him.  He will be sorely missed by his many friends.
Very Sincerely,
Mr. & Mrs. James Giles Kyser III
Dumfries, Virginia

I am deeply sorry for your loss. Tyler was an outstanding young man & Brother Rat. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Sam Pace
Class of 2011

I did not have the opportunity to meet or know your son but through his roommate, Curt Herron, "11", I did know him.  Curt spoke highly of him many times in conversations I had with him.  My condolences go to you and your family members.  I pray that the Lord will be with you and those that knew and were close to Tyler at this the most trying time.  I have been and will continue to keep you in my prayers.

Donald L. Jones
VMI "64"
114 Quaker Drive
Bethlehem, PA 18020

Joel, Lynn, and family,

I am shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of Tyler.  I am so sorry for you all.  Know that many of us here in Ft. Wayne are thinking of and praying for you.

Mary Staples

I heard the news this morning and I have thought of little else since then. I knew Tyler from work. Barnett Pro Contractor Supplies is a VAMAC customer and I would see Tyler every few weeks.  He would always stop by just to see how things were going. I am accustomed to sales reps stopping by but Tyler was always professional, sincere and thoughtful. Always eager to help in any way he could. I enjoyed talking to him. I am retired from the Navy and felt we shared some common values.  I just wanted to let you know that I appreciated Tyler’s sincerity and positive attitude.  Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Don Conklin
Barnett
Manassas, VA

To The Secrest Family,

You have my very Deepest Condolences, as I knew Tyler for a great number of years. He was my very best friend and I will never forget the time that we were able to spend together. Tyler was a true gentle-man, and he would always have a smile on his face,and I will never forget the bond with both shared as friends and as fans of Notre Dame. Tyler I want to let you know, that I have enjoyed being you close friend for all these years, and I want to let you know That you be missed very much. I will be praying for you, and your family

I will miss You My Friend,
Benjamin Kartje

Joel, Lynn, Connor, Spenser and Alexa – Please know that I am thinking of you and wishing that I could be there.  I feel honored to have known Tyler and will always cherish the memory of him showing up at the house with ice cream for us!  Just a sign of what a caring person he was.  Know that he will be missed by so many.  Again I am thinking of you and sending my thoughts and prayers your way!

Carrie Kile

Dear Joel,Lynn and family,
Words cannot express our deepest sympathy by the news of Tyler’s death. His beautiful smile and personality was contagious. We remember Tyler and Ben sharing meals, history conversation and dancing to Frank Sinatra. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this tragic time.

All our Love,
The Kartje Family

Joel,

Our condolences and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sadness. I was shocked at hearing of Tyler’s passing.

God’s speed.
Jim and Melodie Moehring

I had the pleasure of knowing Tyler while he attended VMI. I work in the Military Store, thus having the opportunity to watch Tyler grow from a young Rat to a fine young man during his cadetship. Always courteous and eager for the challenges ahead of him, Tyler’s visits to the Military Store were always entertaining and full of fun, quick conversations with a beaming smile upon his face. That is how I will always remember him, that smile. He will be greatly missed. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Blaine Bane

Joel and Lynn and family,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  I remember Tyler being such a polite and nice young man.  My son Logan also expressed how much he liked Tyler.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ruth Ann Houlihan
Ft. Wayne, In.

We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss, and you have our condolences.  Please let us know if you need anything… We will keep you all in our prayers.

God Bless,

The Mark Steiner Family
North Canton, OH

Lynn,

I read of Tyler’s passing in the Fort Wayne newspapers and my heart broke for you and your family. I’m praying that God will help you find the strength to go on. Please accept my sincere condolences and please give my special regards to Spencer.

With love,
Kim Markey
former Director of Instruction at Fort Wayne Center for Learning

Lynn and Joel, we are so sorry for your loss.  We are praying for you.  We saw this in the Ft Wayne paper.  So very sorry.

Julie and Chad Wyatt

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Secrest, Connor, Spencer, and Alexa,

I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of Tyler. I have many fond memories of Tyler- he was an intelligent and respectful young man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely,
Steven McIlwain

Dear Lynn and Family,
I never met your son, I am sending you my sincere condolence to all of you. In reading about your son, I am overwhelmed at what an exceptional young man he was. I am sure that you are so proud of him. He shared the same academic interests as my daughter, so I feel a kinship.
May God bless your entire family.
Very Sincerely,
Joy Froehlich

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this tragic time.  I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved son.  All of us here at PV NICU pray that God will give you comfort and strength to endure. 

Sincerely,

Pat Shultz
Parkview NICU
Ft. Wayne, IN

Dear Lynn, Joel, Spenser, Alexa & Connor, It is so heartbreaking to think about Tyler’s death. As I read all the other condolences, it becomes obvious what a great influence Tyler had on all those people whose lives he touched. I remember when my son, Cole, met him one day and came away so inspired by Tyler’s achievements. He was sure he wanted to do similar things and talked on and on about Tyler and military school and how smart Tyler was. Cole is not easily impressed but Tyler had him awestruck. If there is anything we can do please let us know. May God bless you and his angels hold you close during this time of grief and may you find peace in your life.
Our deepest sympathy,
Milton & Brigitte Goodwin, Maria & Cole
Lancaster, Pa

We are so sorry to hear of your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

BR W. Brett Waldrop’s Family
VMI 2011

Dr.Secrest, Lynn and family,

 We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Tyler had a big heart and was a great kid. We will keep you all in our prayers during this difficult time. Someday we will see Tyler’s smiling face again.
God Bless,

Mehrdad &Amamda Dehmiri and family

Dear Secrest Family:

We were so saddened to read of Tyler’s passing. You will be in our prayers during this difficult time. 

Mark and Deanna Schaefer

Tyler wasa student who helped teach me how to teach. History and the understanding of the intricacies of human nature and how the two are intertwined were the essence of many conversations we had. Once Tyler moved to Texas and then Virginia, he never stopped surprising me with his phone calls. The last time I saw him we met at a coffee shop. Tyler shared many of his thoughts and beliefs. His maturity and honesty inspired me.
The last time we talked is a forever memory. My heart is very sad and broken for each of you. As Tyler and I shared on many occasions, "It has been an honor to know you."
 Gratitude for the gift of your son and faith in a loving God are what I send to you.
Love and Prayers,
Jane Sandor

I studied abroad with Tyler in Quito. He often found himself out of his comfort zone (as we all did), but he never shied away from new experiences, no matter how unfamiliar or scary. He inspired us all to "grab the bull by the balls" and make the most of every situation.

I’ve never known anyone whose smile lit up a room like Tyler’s. That is how I will remember him.

-Kelley Scanlon

Lynn, Joel and family,

I am so sorry to see Tyler’s obituary in the Fort Wayne newspaper.  My heart breaks for your family!  I know we haven’t talked since you moved, but please know your family will be in our prayers.  Sending hugs from our family.

Mary and Mark DePrez and family

"I’m just calling to check up on you. Give me a call." Those were the last words I spoke to Tyler. "I hope this message finds you having a blessed day," was the reply. It was early Monday morning on November 19th. Each and every workday morning I called Tyler to check up on him and encouraged him for the day in front of him. I was given the task to train Tyler to be the first rate salesman he had the potential to become. This was a day like any other or so I thought. Little did I know in a couple of hours I would hear the tragic news of his passing the night before.
America is a land of many great features but the struggles from one generation to the next are a constant thorn in the rose garden of our history. Older generations have fond memories of their past and are clothed in a rich history of wisdom from their toils. They are slow to change because they like things just the way they are. Along comes a younger generation full of energy, excited about the future, filled with a new vocabulary and carrying a different attitude. Victory is defined more by who is right rather than who wins (for it is in the sharing of our diversity we all win). It is on that battlefield Tyler was called to be an ambassador. A bridge, if you will, between two different cultures, each trying to claim its superiority. This was no easy task for a seasoned veteran, much less a rookie. Tyler charged ahead with gusto and was beginning to make headway when fate stepped in and stopped the progress.
It’s easy to sit and wonder all the whys and ifs, but I prefer to look at life as a long path of many intersections. At each of these intersections a person crosses our path for a short time and we continue on our way. I feel blessed, Tyler, that my path intersected with yours.
Wayne Cruse
VAMAC
King George, VA

I express my deepest condolences on your loss of Tyler. God promises to do away with mourning, crying and pain. He will also do away with death. (Rev 21:3, 4) Until then know that He is near to those brokenhearted (Ps 34:18).  www.Jw.org

Lynn J

It is unfathomable to be writing this note of heartfelt sympathy to Tyler’s family.  It was my intention to send you a note in the coming weeks to tell you how touched I was by Tyler’s visits to our son, his "brother rat" from VMI, while our son was struggling to cover from traumatic injuries in the military hospital in San Antonio.  Tyler visited twice and I was struck by his geniune concern, his warmth, his great faith, his unselfishness, his poise, his incredible personal dignity and bearing. I recall thinking how proud his family must be of him and how fortunate they were to have such a gentleman for a son. Tyler is and always will be a shining star and now shines brighter still, higher in the heavens, a guide to all who love him.

With great respect and loving thoughts from the bayous of Louisiana,

Dana and Dr. Bob Davis (parents of Lt Hunter Davis USAF, VMI ’11)
Dr Robin Davis-Beducian (Hunter’s sister) and John Beducian (VMI ‘ 07)

Tyler – fair winds and following seas, young Jedi!

Major P.T. Calhoun USMC (Ret.)

Condolences to you and to yours in this time of grieving.

Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Centeno
Harlingen, Texas

My deepest sympathy for the family of Tyler. He was a great guy and it’s hard to believe we were just in Lexington together 2 weeks ago. Tyler had a profound impact on several lives.

Justin Minter
VMI ’10

Lynn,

my condolences to you and your family on the loss of your dear son Tyler. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kristen Masengarb

When Tyler came to Goliad, his charm and personality instantly made him an integral part of the hearts of the Goliad community. In particular, we always looked forward to his coming to dinner at our house – such lively conversation and good feelings. Tyler was the epitome of courage, honor and integrity. Our love and prayers to his family, whom we thank for sharing him with us for a little while. He will so be missed.

Raulie and Georgia Anne Irwin

Tyler and I were not in contact as often as I wished but he was a great friend of mine. For a major with 6 or 7 graduates he and I spent a lot of time in class together taking about life and our hobbies. We both held a very strong interest in the lives of people outside of our country and wished to make an influence in the world. He was a very hard worker and reached out for all that he wanted and took it. He has been an influential person in the last 5 years of my life and for that I am deeply grateful. I send my greatest thanks to Tyler’s family for making him the man I grew to know and look up to. Bless you all during this time of sadness and grief.

James Clayton
VMI 11′

Lynn, Joel, and kids….we were shocked to hear of this tragic, heartbreaking news.  Even though you had moved away we’ve thought about your family often.  Tyler was such a beautiful, sensitive young man. The are just no words to express how sorry we all are for your loss. God’s peace be with you all and most especially, with Tyler.

Much love,
Rich, Laurie, Christopher, Amy, Nicholas, and Eric Kempf

I am so sorry for your loss of someone so young. May your family find comfort in God’s Word where he promises soon to "swallow up death forever and…wipe the tears from all faces." (Isaiah 25:8)

Dear Lynn, Joel, and family,

We were so sorry to read about the death of Tyler. We send our deepest sympathies. He was such a sweet boy and I can still picture he and Elliot dressed as cowboys going to camp. He grew to be a very handsome man. We are so sad for you. May God be with all of you during this time. God bless you all.

Ron and Stephanie Stevens

We are so very sorry for your loss. I was talking to my Mom the other day and something came up that reminded me of Tyler and babysitting him so many years ago. You are all in our prayers.

Sincerely;
Carrie Johnson Puckett
Brian Puckett
Parker Marie Johnson

Lynn,Joel and Family,

You have our condolences.
Tyler was a shining star for myself and my Daughter and Son-in-law, Lori and Bill Given. Please know that Tyler and you are all in our
prayers.

With our respect,
Mrs. Ray DeCenzo
Mr,Mrs Chris DeCenzo
Mr,Mrs Bill Given
Mrs Phlip DECenzo
Mr,Mrs Mike Teschner

Joel, Lynn and family,

My extreme sorrow to hear of Tyler’s death! Prayers, love and more love to all of you during this difficult time. Tyler and I had many uplifting conversations while driving him during our carpool days. He was an amazing young man and will be missed.

Lynn, Your GNO group misses you, we think of you often and smile at the funny good times we had. Know we are there with you in prayers and thoughts.

Love, Hugs and Prayers,
Juli Lapp
Fort Wayne, IN

Dear Lynn, Joel and Family:  Ed and I were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Tyler.  I still remember when we first moved to Fort Wayne and how welcome you made us all feel.  We all remember Tyler with many fond memories and feel your loss.  He was a talented, caring and smart young man and looked forward to hearing of his life unfolding.  We will miss hearing about him and pray that you feel our prayers at your time of loss.

Your friends in Christ,
Ed, Fran, Nataline, Chris and Peter Foskey
10417 Traders Point
Fort Wayne, Indiana

Lynn, I can’t begin to express my deepest condolences to you and your family.  My prayers and thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.  I remember Tyler, he was a bright, handsome young man.  He will be missed terribly.  Please know that your family are going to be in our prayers and if there is ANYTHING we can do, you let me know.
Denise Sutter

Our condolences from the NICU at Kings Daughters Medical Center.

You have my sincere and deepest sorry for the passing of your son.

My deepest condolences for the losses of your son. The loss of such a great, energetic, and intelligent man has affected many during these past days, and will continue to be in our thoughts for many days in the future. Tyler was always an individual I looked up to at VMI, constantly succeeded in academics and being loved by all. He was always one I inspired to be like. My greatest memories of him are walking through barracks or the hallways of the classrooms only to see him constantly smiling and asking how everyone is doing. It seemed as though he was friends with everyone.
Tyler was a great man, you raised one amazing son, never forget that. You raised him to be a caring, lovable, and well-mannered individual that touched the lives of many.
Tyler will forever be in our hearts.

Very Respectfully,
BR

Dear Joel and Lynn,

We have so many great memories of our days as neighbors on Traders Crossing and watching our kids grow up. Tyler was always a kind and considerate boy and we are sure had grown to be a fine young man who accomplished much in his short life.

May God give you peace and strength as you mourn his loss.

Andy and Chris Goeglein

Although I had only a few opportunities to meet Tyler, he made the impression of a dynamic, capable, and genuine individual. May you be comforted with your memories of this fine young man.

God bless you.
Sincerely,
Amy C. Mueller
(a VMI 2011 mother)

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