William David Tyra Jr.

William David Tyra, Jr. born at Fort Sam Houston, TX on May 16, 1933 and a resident of San Antonio, TX for more than 30 years, entered into Eternal Rest on Thursday, May 15, 2008. He was a member of St. Dominic's Catholic Church. He is survived by his beautiful and faithful wife, Mary Jane Stanton Tyra (OCD Candidate), of more than 57 years; along with four wonderful children, William D. Tyra III (Colonel USMC Retired), his Spouse Barbra Tyra, Martin Marion Tyra (US Navy), Mary Rose Tyra, Michael Patrick Tyra; and four lovely grandchildren, Ashley Jane, Matthew Paul, William Dallas, and Brittany Rose, all four Tyra's. Katie Elizabeth Tyra, his beloved first granddaughter preceded him in death at the age of 16 in 1998. Other survivors include his pious, and loving sister, Shirley Ann Palmer and her spouse Louis E. Palmer, who was like a brother to Bill; a very wonderful, intelligent and loyal brother, Patrick Albert Tyra (USAF); and a generous brother-in-law, James P. Stanton. He also leaves behind two very close friends, Joseph D. Shultz, and John H. Malone. Bill was raised in Dallas, TX, a graduate of Jesuit College Preparatory School in Dallas before attending Texas A & M University, and remained a member of the Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association. He also attended Kansas State University, and received his Bachelor of Science and Master Science in Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX, and was inducted into Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society, and Pi Gamma Mu National Social Sciences Honor Society. He was recognized for more than 40 years as a skillful and compassionate Mental Health Professional, and was given recognition as a Board Certified Clinical Social Worker, and was a Diplomate in Clinical Social Work. He was licensed by the State of Texas as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Advanced Clinical Practitioner), and a Licensed Professional Counselor. At the time of his death he maintained a private practice as a Psychotherapist in San Antonio, TX. Bill served in Viet Nam in the US Army where he was awarded Combat Related Special Compensation. Upon discharge from the US Army, he continued his military career until retirement from the US Air Force, serving his last eight years at the school of Aerospace Medicine, Flight Medicine Laboratory at Brooks AFB. He received numerous military awards before retiring in 1978, including the Meritorious Service Medal by Executive Order of the President of the United States of America, the United States Air Force Commendation Medal and Presidential Unit Citations. Bill was a licensed commercial pilot, and an avid aviation enthusiast, and a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. He was co-founder and President of Air Texana, a certified passenger airline. Other business pursuits included being a founder and president, at age 25, of the Plexon Co., Inc. where he formulated specialty paints and industrial plastics that are still in use today. The Rosary will be recited on Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. at Sunset North Funeral Home, 910 North Loop 1604 East (between Stone Oak Parkway and Hwy. 281). The Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday, May 19, 2008 at 9:00 A.M. at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, 10703 Wurzbach Rd. with Msgr. John Wagner as celebrant. The interment with military honors will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Carmelite Convent at 6301 Culebra, San Antonio, TX 78238. Arrangements are with: Sunset North Funeral Home.