Tommy Louis Tyrrell's Obituary
Tommy Louis Tyrrell, aged 79, peacefully departed this life on November 20th, 2010 at Minden Medical Center.
Mr. Tyrrell was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Elzora Tyrrell, his wife Delma Ingalls Tyrrell, his siblings, Frank M. Tyrrell, Robert Tyrrell, and Emma Hestand, as well as his beloved granddaughter, Kristin Jones.
Those left to cherish his memory include his children Col. Tom Tyrrell Jr., Cheryl Jarrell, and Terri Tyrrell, and his grandchildren Gene Hawkins, Jonathan Tyrrell, Kenneth Tyrrell, Chelsea Wilson, and Laura Tyrrell. He also leaves behind a brother, Jerry Tyrrell, a great nephew, Anthony Ingalls, and a dear cousin, Rose Ingalls of Leesville.
A viewing will be held Sunday November 21st at 5pm at Laurel Hill Baptist Church in Leesville, LA. Funeral services will be held Monday November 22nd at 1pm at the same location.
Mr. Tyrrell was born March 30th, 1931 in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He attended Oklahoma Baptist University on a track scholarship and received a bachelor’s degree in education. He later received a master’s degree in education from Oklahoma University. Tommy served in the Air Force from 1950 to 1952, during which time he met and married his wife of 57 years, Mrs. Delma Pearl Ingalls Tyrrell.
As they started their family, Mr. Tyrrell achieved his childhood dream of becoming a high school teacher and coach. He taught history for 10 years in Anadarko, Oklahoma, while coaching football, basketball, and a championship baseball team. After a decade of teaching, he took a job with USAA and remained with the company for over 20 years. He and his wife lived in Oklahoma, Texas, and Florida, before retiring in Delma’s hometown of Leesville, LA in 1987.
Mr. Tyrrell was an active member of Laurel Hill Baptist Church. He also enjoyed playing golf, keeping up with world events, making homemade jams, and watching his granddaughter, Chelsea, play sports. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, strong work ethic, and willingness to help others. His lively personality and optimistic outlook will be missed by all who knew him
What’s your fondest memory of Tommy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Tommy?
Share a story where Tommy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Tommy you’ll never forget.
How did Tommy make you smile?