Life Reflections

Calvin Tyler Jr. was the third of six children born to the union of Calvin Tyler Sr. and Curlee Tyler
in Saint Louis, Missouri on December 11, 1959. He was preceded in death by his parents, his
brother Charles Tyler, and his sister Felecia Leake.

He attended St. Matthew the Apostle in North St. Louis as a child growing up and graduated
from Sumner High School. He then went forward to work for Ralston Purina doing work study
up until his retirement in 2019. He spent most of his lifetime working at Ralston Purina, he was
well respected and liked, and he was very proud of the time that he put into the company. He
enjoyed taking his kids to work with him when they hosted “Purina Family Days” at either the
downtown location or at Six Flags.

Calvin was a lover of most sports but in particular he enjoyed playing softball in the park with
his guys and watching football. A perfect day for him would have been hanging out in
Fairground Park in North City St. Louis with some good food, good drinks, and a softball
tournament. Let’s not forget he was always ready to jump into a sports debate happening in the
barbershop on a Saturday morning while getting cut by his longtime barber and friend, Mike
Gibson.

Calvin will forever be remembered by those who love him. He leaves to mourn his passing: two
daughters–Sydney Thompson (Donte) & Celeste Keys (Jeremy); one son, Calvin Rashad Tyler;
three grandchildren Skylar Thompson, Deton Thompson, and Amari Keys; and a host of nieces
and nephews.

My Final Request

Please don’t say that I gave up, just say that I gave in. Don’t say I lost the battle, for it was GOD’s
war to lose or win. Please don’t say how good or bad I was, but that I did my best. Just say I tried
to do what’s right, to give the most I could, not do less.

Please don’t give me wings or halos, that’s for GOD to do. I want no more than I deserve, no
extra, just my due. Please don’t give flowers, or talk in harsh tones, don’t be concerned about me
now, I’m well with GOD and I have made it home.

Don’t talk about what could have been, it’s over and done. Just see that we stay as a family
because the battle has been won. When you draw a picture of me don’t draw me as a saint, I’ve
done some good, I’ve done some wrong, so don’t just use the bright and light tones, use all your
paint. In fact, don’t put me down on canvas, just paint me in your heart.

Don’t just remember all the good times, but remember some of the bad. For life is full of many
things, some happy and some sad. But if you must do something, then I have one request,
FORGIVE me for the wrongs I have done with the love that’s left. I thank GOD for my soul is
resting and I thank GOD for all who loved me too, but most of all I thank and praise GOD,
because he loved me the best.