Walter Tyus' Obituary
Walter Vernard Tyus, 78, of Decatur, transitioned from this life into eternal reward on May 13, 2024, at Decatur Memorial Hospital in Decatur, Illinois. Services are entrusted to Moran And Goebel Funeral Home and will be held at Mt. Olive Baptist Church on May 31, 2024, at noon, with visitation one hour prior, at 11:00 am. Senior Pastor Byron P. Hansbro, officiant.
Walter was born in Brownsville, TN on March 23, 1946, to the union of the late Oscar "Luke" Tyus and Cornelia "Suga" Evans Tyus. As a child, Walter was a country boy at heart, with a great love of the outdoors, spending many days with his father, from whom he gained a great love of hunting.
Upon coming of age, he decided to leave the country and start his life in Decatur, Illinois, where, in 1967, he began employment with Caterpillar Inc. and remained employed with the company for 43 years, retiring in 2010. With great dignity and faithfulness he also served as a longtime member of the Jasper Street Church of Christ attending until his health began to fail. For many years, he raised flourishing community gardens all over the city of Decatur, joining the Decatur Park District Green Thumb program. He achieved many awards and ribbons for the fruit and vegetables that he bore, never keeping much for himself, but firmly believing in freely donating the crops to others, especially senior citizens throughout the city. Walter gained great joy from giving of himself to all who were in need. In his free time, he continued his passion for hunting, raising, and breeding beagles for numerous years. On May 4, 1969, he married Lydell Fry, and their love remained unwavering until his death.
Walter leaves not to mourn but to cherish loving memories of his loving wife Lydell, and three children—Thurman (Danisha), Patricia, and Andre (Dawn). Grandchildren- Chassity, Keenan (Rika), Dominique, Aubrianna, Michael, Diarus, Thurman Jr., Braelyn, Akeemah, Akeelah, and Camden, whom he affectionately called 'CC'. He also was blessed with eight great grandchildren. His sisters- Irma Gene Bennett, Mamie D. Bolds, Marion B. Powell, and Mildred (Evon) Halliburton and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was loved by so many, and will greatly be missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Oscar L, Lonnie D., and Alfred; sisters: Minnie F. Reed, Virgie Rae Tyus, Felicia Bullock, Lottie (Kate) Webster, Pauline C. Bond, and Lillie Ora Anderson.
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