Thomas "Tommy" William Tyler, was born on June 6, 1954, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the son of Donald A. and Alice (Cuvellier) Tyler.

Tom received his education at All Saints Elementary School, and graduated from Washington High School in 1972.  He served in the United States Army from 1971 until 1975.  He continued his education at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota.  He was then employed with his father at Tyler Insurance, Inc., in Sioux Falls, and the Tyler Land Company Inc., and owner-operator of the Ed Salear Bar and Grill until his retirement in 1997.  Tommy was united in marriage to Elizabeth A. Halliday on November 19, 2005, and they moved to Brookings, South Dakota in that same year.

Tom enjoyed playing guitar for the Blowin' Smoke Band, golfing, motorcycles, fishing and hunting, and crossword puzzles.  He was also the Director and member of Sioux Falls Abate, a member of the Sioux Falls Jaycee's, Elks, Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota, the Masonic Temple, El Riad Shrine, acted as a Circus Chair Member and performed as a clown in the El Riad Shrine Circus.

Tom is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Halliday-Tyler, of Brookings, SD; son, Travis Tyler, of Brookings, SD; and step-children: Axel May, Justin May, Nichole Eastman; honorary step-daughter Melissa Halliday; sisters: Martha (Gerry) Pasco, of Lake Hendricks, MN, and Teri (Robert) Campbell, of Branson, MO; and 12 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Alice Tyler; a sister, Gretchen; and a brother, Donald Jr..

Although memorial flowers are appreciated, Tommy's family requests that friends and family consider a donation to the El Riad Circus of Sioux Falls, South Dakota in his memory.