Samuel Tyler

Samuel Joseph Tyler, age 93, passed away June 1, 2019, at his home in Redmond, Wash., where he has lived for the past 5 1/2 years.

Sam was born November 14, 1925, in Spokane, Wash., to Roger S. and Ruth V. (Terrell) Tyler. He attended Treffery School in Benewah County, Grandview Country School, and grades six through 12 in Tekoa, graduating in 1943. Sam then enlisted in the United States Navy and served for the next three years, honorably discharged in May of 1946, as a yeoman.

Following his service, he returned to the family farm near Tekoa. Sam married Donna Benson on November 2, 1947, and they made their home in Benewah County where they farmed until his retirement in 1995. They continued to live at their rural Plummer home. Sam's wife Donna passed away in July of 2009. In 2013, he moved to an assisted living home in Redmond, Wash., near his daughter Susan.

Sam was a member of the Jaycee Club in Tekoa, the Elks Club, in St. Maries, Idaho, the Tekoa Golf and Country Club, and the Spokane Club. He had served as a Benewah County Commissioner and was a former member of the Idaho Wheat Commission. Sam was chairman of the Western Wheat Association for one year, 1977 – 1978. Mr. Tyler also enjoyed politics on the local and national levels.

Survivors include his two daughters, Susan Williams of Redmond, Wash., and Julie (Gary) French of Plummer, Idaho; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Pickering, Alison Houchin, Kirsten Moreno, Emily French, Tessa Simpson, Joel French, and Molly Hake; 14 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.

A private family inurnment will be held at Goldenrod Cemetery in Tekoa.

Kramer Funeral Home of Tekoa, Wash., is caring for the family. Online condolences may be left at http://www.kramercares.com.