Alphonso Lee Tyler

Alphonso Lee Tyler, 81, of Galesburg, died at 2:10 p.m. Sunday, February 5, 2017 in Seminary Manor.

He was born August 11, 1935, in Galesburg, the son of Frank and Lucy (Kimbrough) Tyler Sr. He married Oreanda (Mason) Gatlin in 1990 at Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Oreanda; a son, Andrew (and Erma) Lee of Meridian, Mississippi; five step children, Joy Wallace of Victoria, Texas, Annette Gatlin of San Diego, California, Rufus (and Bernadette) Gatlin Jr. of Apopka, Florida, and Willard Gatlin and Michael Gatlin, both of Galesburg; three sisters, Mary Henderson, Odie Campbell, and Delores Simmons, all of Portland, Oregon; two brothers, Bond Tyler and Jerry Tyler, both of Portland; four sisters-in-law, Mary Shaw, Wanda Reading, and Betty White, all of Galesburg and Hester Maltbie of Kansas City, Kansas; two brothers-in-law, Johnnie Davis and Monroe White, both of Galesburg; and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Dorothy Pillard, Mildred Congress, Malinda Simmons, and Patricia VanNorman; and two brothers, Allie Tyler and Frank Tyler Jr.

Alphonso worked as a clerk for the Burlington Northern Railroad for 32 years, retiring in 1997. He served in the United States Army. He was a member of Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church. Alphonso enjoyed fishing and gardening. He was an owner, trainer, and breeder of Standard Bred Horses. His horse was named Al’s Amber Tea.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. to noon Friday, February 17, 2017 at Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral service will follow at noon with Rev. Toby Carlos officiating. Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel is handling arrangements for the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.