Terry Tyler

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Terry M Tyler, age 76 of Joplin, a Southern Baptist minister and retired US Army Vietnam veteran, died Saturday morning, September 24, 2016 at his home following a long illness.

Mr Tyler was born Oct 17, 1939 in Joplin, MO. His parents were James Thomas and Mary Frances (Glaze) Tyler. He returned to the Joplin area in 1986.

Terry served in the US Army for 20 years, retiring in 1981. After surrendering to the ministry, he earned a Master’s degree in Child Psychology, Theology, and religious Education. He and his wife, filled many pulpits throughout the area. He served as a Pastor, a Missionary, and also as Pulpit Supply including bilingual congregations. He retired from the ministry 3 ½ years ago due to ill health. Terry also worked for the Joplin Headstart program, last filling the position of Area Supervisor.

He was past chaplain at the VFW, Mineral Wells, TX. He enjoyed fishing, working with children, riding motorcycles and working on cars.

Terry was married to Margarita Mendez on Apr 20, 1968 in Ft Leavenworth, KS. She survives.

Additional survivors include one son, James Roy Tyler, Joplin, MO; one brother, James Tyler (wife, Rebecca) Tyler, Joplin; two sisters, Margo Tyler, Webb City, MO, and Pamela (husband, Douglas) Kelly, Boise, Idaho; six grandchildren, Kristen, Ashlynn, Elizabeth, Madalynn, Matthew Terry, and Jennakate; and two great-grandchildren, Elias and Inara.


He was preceded in death by one son, Terry Tyler on Oct 22, 2012.


Funeral service will be at 6:00 pm, Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home until 8 pm.