Dr. John David Tyler

Dr. John David Tyler of Madisonville, TN, passed away on October 31, 2025, at the age of 78, on the most perfect fall day in East Tennessee. He was born on October 24, 1947, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Dr. William H. Tyler and Margaret C. Tyler. John was a devoted husband, father & grandfather, best friend, and respected scientist. After graduating from Muskegon Catholic Central High School in 1965, he attended the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1969. While there, he met his future wife, Betsy, on a blind date. Their lifelong commitment only to each other was solidified on July 20, 1969, while they watched the Apollo 11 moon landing. They were married on April 25, 1970. A true man of science at heart, John returned to school, earning his master's degree from Western Michigan University in 1975 and his PhD from SUNY-Buffalo in 1978. Upon graduation, he accepted a postdoctoral fellowship at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and went on to serve as the highly respected director of the kidney transplant labs at both Washington University (Barnes Hospital) in St. Louis, MO, and the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, TN. The waters of Lake Michigan, where John grew up, inspired a lifelong love of lakes. He trekked north every summer to Spruce Point, the family cabin, on the North Shore of Lake Superior-a most special place that was always full of family & laughter. He and Betsy also enjoyed Caribbean cruises with their best friends and tackling numerous DIY projects around their home & garden. He retired in 2003 and patiently (or not so patiently) waited for Betsy to retire so they could realize their dream by moving to Laurel Mountain Lake in Madisonville in 2007. His retirement years were spent enjoying life on the lake, working in his wood shop, spending time with lake friends, and watching college basketball. The highlight of his later life was his granddaughter, Aine. John took the title of "Papa" seriously and was the best Papa there ever was, frequently traveling to Georgia to attend whatever softball game, band performance, or event of hers that he could. John will be dearly missed by all who loved him, including his wife and best friend of 55 years, Betsy Tyler. He was a deeply loved parent and grandparent and will be profoundly missed by his daughters: Jennifer (Josh) Tyler Turpin and Hilary Tyler; and his granddaughter, Aine Turpin. He also leaves behind his sister Pat Potter; sisters-in-law Susie (Denny) McCrandall, Kathy (Jim) Nelson, and Angela Tyler; brother-in-law Bob (Ellen) Allen; nephews Tyler Potter, Daniel Allen, and Michael Allen; nieces Sarah Potter and Katie (Paul) Jones; great-niece Piper Jones; and his most loyal fur companion, Ellie. John was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. William H. Tyler and Margaret C. Tyler, and his brothers, William "Tip" Tyler and Charles "Tom" Tyler, as well as many four-legged friends who were certainly there to greet him. Per his wishes, memorials celebrating his life will occur at future dates at Laurel Mountain Lake, Lake Michigan, and Lake Superior. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or Doctors Without Borders in John's honor. Arrangements by Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville.