James B. Tyler

James Buddy Tyler, 73, Cedar County, passed away Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, at Freeman Hospital, Joplin, following a prolonged illness. He was born July 1, 1936, in Kansas City to Jim and Jewell Anna (Cannon) Tyler.

His family moved to a farm near Virgil City when he was a child. He grew up in Cedar County and attended White Hall and El Dorado Springs Schools, graduating in 1954.

He married Florence Roberta Castor, his high school sweetheart, on Aug. 28. 1954. They recently celebrated 55 years of marriage.

He taught school for several years, teaching art, psychology and earth science in the Kansas City and Arkansas areas. Since 1973, he worked a variety of jobs and on the farm. He built two houses, both of which withstood tornadoes.

He was a member of the Missouri National Guard (discharged in 1959); a past master of Hickory Hill Masonic Lodge near Jefferson City; and a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Freemason, Kansas City Valley. He had many interests but especially liked his book and foreign car collections.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Jewell Tyler; and a sister, Mary Tomirello Wadley.
Survivors include his wife, Florence R. Tyler.

Graveside services were held Tuesday, Sept. 29, in Wright Cemetery under the direction of Brumback Funeral Home, Stockton.