Billy Tyler

Billy Gene Tyler, age 86, of Stanford, Illinois, died Saturday, January 27, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family.

Born December 5, 1937, in Maynard, Arkansas, he was the son of Paul and Alta (Gross) Tyler.  Moving to Illinois in 1953, he was a 1956 graduate of Stanford High School.  He worked for McLean County Service Company as a bulk fuel salesman until he joined the Illinois State Police on January 1, 1968, retiring as a Master Sergeant on January 31, 1993.  He also restored antique farm tractors and loved to operate farm machinery in his retirement.

Billy married Carol K. Kauffman on December 20, 1959. She preceded him in death December 5, 2005.  Later he married Karen V. {Shindel} Tyler on August 31, 2012.  Also preceding him in death were his parents and brother, Max Ray.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Tyler, a daughter, Kristi (Eric) Hoerdemann of Bloomington; a son, Timothy (Molly) Tyler of Lexington, Illinois, a step son, Jeremy (Annie) Shindel, a step daughter Tara (Rich) King; four grandchildren, Hayden Hoerdemann, Elliot Hoerdemann, Kate Hoerdemann, Tess Tyler and 12 step grandchildren, Riley Jenkins, Bradley King, Ashlin King, Adon Shindel, Gabe Shindel, Corban Shindel, Elias Shindel, Isabella Shindel, Archer Shindel, Vinny Shindel, Roman Shindel and Campion Shindel;  sister-in-law, Sue Tyler of Stanford, Illinois; a niece and several nephews.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and Illinois State Police Lodge 41.  He also was a member of the Minier American Legion Post 448.  Billy enjoyed camping and traveling to Florida each winter.  He took pride in being a master shooter during his state police career.

His funeral will be at 11:00 am Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Minier Christian Church.  Pastor Jim Webster will officiate.  Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be at Funks Grove Cemetery, rural McLean with military honors accorded.  Davis-Oswald Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Allin Township Fire Department in Stanford.

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