Robert Dwain Tyler of McKinney, Texas passed away March 3rd, 2020 at the age of 81. Robert was born in Refugio, Texas on December 13th, 1938 to Albert Tyler and Naomi (Johns) Tyler. Robert’s childhood was spent in Texas City, Texas with his two younger siblings Joyce and Valton. In elementary school, Robert was quickly identified as a bright student in mathematics and was put in a specially designed class with an accelerated curriculum. Robert was also a gifted artist, and in many ways his artistic career began in the fourth grade when he was commissioned to draw murals in his school’s hallways.
Robert went on to serve his country proudly in the United States Army in 1956, eagerly joining at the age of 17. Similarly to his childhood studies, Robert excelled in the Army’s placement tests scoring in the top fifth percentile, and was selected from many to join the National Security Agency. Robert spent three years in Maryland working for the NSA, all while supporting his mother and siblings back home in Texas. In 1959 he returned to Texas, where he was introduced to Neva Melton. It was nothing short of love at first sight, and the two were quickly inseparable. Robert enthusiastically proposed, and the two were married on February 19th, 1960. Neva and her family were taken with Robert’s distinguished aura, while Robert’s family knew only Neva brought out the best in him.
In their early years of marriage, work took Robert to California and Washington, but Robert and Neva eventually settled back home in North Texas. Following his inclination for design and skills in mathematics Robert began his lifelong career as an architect and home designer. Robert and Neva worked as a pair, with Robert spearheading the architectural designs, and Neva helping run the client facing business with her effortless charm. Robert would spend many hours sitting at a drafting table, but some of his most creative work was done on paper napkins at dinner surrounded by family. Despite his hardworking nature, Neva and his daughters always came first. Some of the family’s fondest memories were the times spent together, be it a cross country trip by car, or simply a weekend breakfast. After retiring, Robert’s car-sized family grew, and he enjoyed becoming lovingly called “Papa” by his many grandkids.
Robert was known for his contagious laugh, his sharp sense of humor, his love for history and unyielding loyalty. Robert was happiest around family and never went too long without a visit from one of his daughters, a stop-by from his grandkids, or a pretend doctor check-up from his great-grandchildren.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Neva Tyler of McKinney, Texas; daughters, Dianne and Rob Trotter of Frisco, Texas, Sheri and Kurt Seidler of Plano, Texas, Cindy and Dave Green of McKinney, Texas; eight grandchildren, Phil and Amber Taylor, Lauren and Brendon Roosken, Alexandria Trotter, Ashleigh and Greg Hughes, Dustin Seidler and Carol Nguyen, Brett and Anna Seidler, Jordan and Kimberly Green and Mark Green. As well as ten great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends.
The funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Monday March 9, 2020 at Crosspoint Church 2101 South Stonebridge Drive, McKinney, Texas 75072.