John Keith Tyler

1941 - 2024

John Keith Tyler
03/09/1941 - 12/31/2024
John Keith Tyler, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at his home on December 31, 2024, at the age of 83, surrounded by his family. Known for his immense heart, John spent his life helping others. His service to his community, family, and fraternal Sigma Phi Epsilon brotherhood was evident in everything he did, from his commitment to his wife and children to his volunteer work at St. John the Divine.
John was deeply loved and respected as a confidant, mentor, and friend. He cherished long-lasting relationships, valuing trust and ethics. Those who knew John could rely on him for guidance and support, knowing he was a man of strong principles and moral integrity. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Meta, children John Teagle (Eileen and sons Patrick and Michael), Kathryn, Lex (Penelope and daughter Presley), Mary Beth Torpey (Matt); and his sister Dr. Nancy Tyler. John was predeceased by his brother, Donald A. Tyler, and his son Stephen Teagle.
Born on March 9, 1941, in Spring Valley, Illinois, John was the youngest child of Dr. Allen C. Tyler and Mildred Anderson Tyler. After World War II, the family moved to Longview, Texas, where his father, a lifelong educator, served as Dean and President of LeTourneau University. John graduated from Longview High School (1959), attended the University of Texas ('59–'61), and earned his degree from SMU in 1963. Starting his career and family (sons John and Stephen) in Shreveport, LA, John worked as a systems engineer with IBM. John met his lifelong partner, Meta, in Shreveport and were married on June 17, 1972, before moving to Houston for John to attend the University of Houston Bates College of Law where he was awarded his Juris Doctor in 1973. John and Meta set down their roots in Houston where they raised their three children, Kathryn, Lex, and Mary Beth.
A respected attorney, John co-founded Shaw & Tyler, P.C. and Tyler, Mabry & Gibson, practicing law for over 35 years. Despite reducing his workload, he continued practicing with fulfillment until his passing. Outside of work, John found joy as an engaged, long-term supporter and volunteer to the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, both at UT and the National Fraternity level. He served wherever he was needed most – a true servant leader where he led by example, always raising his hand when the fraternity needed him and not shying away from the task at hand. Over the years, John volunteered as the President of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Housing Corporation at UT, was a Founding Trustee since 1981 of UT Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation, served as District Governor ('90 – '96) for the Southern District of Texas. In honor of his decades of volunteerism, John was a proud recipient of the Fraternity's Order of the Golden Heart, the highest volunteer service award bestowed by Sigma Phi Epsilon. John and Meta have been devoted members of St. John the Divine, where John served the church as the Senior Warden of the Associate Vestry, a Vestry Member, a Chancellor, a Lay Eucharistic Minister, and a Lector over his 42 years of worship.
John enjoyed fishing, Texas Longhorn football, jazz, and reading history. He will be remembered as a loyal friend, hard worker, and defender of truth.
A celebration of his life will be held at St. John the Divine on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 3:00 PM with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to the Sig Ep John K. Tyler Balanced Man Scholarship or St. John the Divine.