Obituary

Gene Wesley Tyer of Hale Center, Texas, passed away January 17, 2021, at age 94. Gene was born to Marjorie (Born) Tyer and Charles Everett Tyer in Jenks, Oklahoma, on November 29, 1926. He graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 1943 and began college at age 16. He joined the United States Navy when he turned 18 and served in the Pacific during World War II. Following his service, Gene returned to Southwest Texas State Teachers College and graduated in 1948. He also earned a master’s degree in education from Texas Tech in 1960.

Gene was a public school educator for 40 years. He began his career in 1948 at Meadow ISD, where he taught history and was head football coach for the Meadow Broncos, including an undefeated championship season. He married Joyce Evans Tyer, his wife of 62 years, on August 5, 1954. Gene was a teacher and head football coach at Frenship ISD until 1964. Gene and Joyce moved to Hale Center in 1964, where Gene served as junior high principal for two decades. Gene was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Hale Center for over 50 years. He loved woodworking and especially making special furniture pieces for his children and toys for his grandchildren. Gene and Joyce were devoted Texas Tech Red Raider fans.

Gene is survived and beloved by his 2 daughters and their families, daughter Terri Tyer Mills and her husband, Scott, of Borger, TX, daughter Tanya Tyer Smitherman and her husband, Shannon, of Carrollton, TX, and 6 grandchildren: Haylee Sherwood and her husband, Brock, of Canyon, TX, Kristen Mills of Fort Worth, TX, Shea McMillan and her husband, Michael, of Dallas, TX, Kate, Joel, and Michael Smitherman of Carrollton, TX. Gene also adored his 3 great-grandchildren, Blakelee, Westyn, and Knox Sherwood, and his many nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Tyer, his parents, Charlie and Marjorie Tyer, his sister Patricia Wadlington, brother Charles Tyer, and his granddaughter, Whitney Lynn Mills.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, January 23, at 2:00 pm, at Hale Center Cemetery under the direction of Ramage Funeral Directors, Reverend Jimmy Cameron officiating. Pallbearers include Scott Mills, Shannon Smitherman, Joel Smitherman, Michael Smitherman, Brock Sherwood, and Michael McMillan. Visitation will be held Friday, January 22, 3:00-6:00 pm at Ramage Funeral Home in Hale Center. Masks will be required at the visitation as well as the graveside service. The family suggests memorials to the Hale Center Public Library, PO Box 214 Hale Center, TX 79041, or First United Methodist Church, PO Box 1258, Hale Center, TX 79041.