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It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Dr. David Tyler,
Joshua Meigs Distinguished Professor of Pathology at the College of
Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia. In addition to a
distinguished teaching career, and being one of the two founders (with Dr.
Wayne Crowell) of Noah's Arkive, which has served countless veterinarians
around the world for over thirty-five year, Dr. Tyler inspired countless
young veterinary students to pursue a career in veterinary pathology,
including one young CPT Bruce Williams, who knew after his first two tours
in the Army, that a career in pathology was what he wanted to pursue.. Dave
Tyler was one of the kindest professors I ever met, and he brought
pathology "back to life" on a daily basis. I never had the chance to tell
him how in four years of veterinary school with many outstanding teachers,
he was the one who inspired me, but I hope that I have done him proud.
His obituary:
"David Earle Tyler went to be with the Lord on May 26, 2020. The third son
of the late Guy Earl Tyler and Beatrice Virginia (Slack) Tyler, he was born
in Hartford, Iowa. He graduated from Hartford High School in 1946. He
served in the Army at the end of World War II as an MP in Alaska. Following
his military service, he enrolled at Iowa State University (ISU). He earned
both a B.S. in Animal Husbandry and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at
ISU. During his studies at ISU, David met his sweetheart, LaVon Smith whom
he married in 1952. They remained married for 66 years until LaVon's death.
Following graduation from ISU, Dr. Tyler joined the faculty at Purdue
University as an instructor in veterinary science. While at Purdue, he
earned his M.S. degree. David then returned to his alma mater to join the
faculty in the veterinary pathology department. During his time as a
faculty member at ISU, he completed his Ph.D. degree and became a Diplomate
of the American College of Veterinary Pathology. In 1966, he was recruited
to become the head of the veterinary pathology department at the University
of Georgia (UGA). He accepted the challenge and the whole family moved
south to Athens, Georgia. He spent the remainder of his professional career
at the UGA, College of Veterinary Medicine until his retirement in 1991.
David was a highly respected scientist, veterinarian, and teacher. It was
his role as a teacher that particularly brought joy to his professional
life. His excellence as an educator was acknowledged on multiple instances
by his students and his colleagues. He was named a Josiah Meigs
Distinguished Teaching Professor by the University of Georgia. This is the
highest honor for excellence in instruction at UGA. He was also the
inaugural winner of the national Zoeitis Distinguished Veterinary Teacher
Award.
David was a master woodcarver and enjoyed teaching carving to friends and
his colleagues. He also enjoyed traveling abroad with LaVon, and gardening
at their home on Sunnybrook Drive. He was a member of the First Christian
Church, Disciples of Christ in Athens, Georgia for 46 years where he served
as an elder. He and LaVon became members of the Grace Community, United
Methodist Church following their move to Fort Mill, South Carolina to be
closer to family in 2012.
David was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who
supported and protected his family. He is survived by his sister Georgene
Tyler Fawcett; son John Tyler; daughter Anne Tyler Sink; two grandchildren
Christina Sink Smith and Laura Sink; great-grandson Ian Smith;
sister-in-law Martha Tyler; son-in-law Merritt Sink and grandson-in-law
Tyler Smith.
For family members, there will be a service at Peterson's funeral home in
Carlisle, Iowa on Saturday, June 6, 2020 at 2 PM. Social distancing and
cloth masks will be part of the service. Video streaming of the service
will be available for those not able to attend. Graveside services will
follow at the Hartford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to the Grace
Community United Methodist church of Fort Mill, South Carolina or the First
Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Athens Georgia.
