Ralph F. Tyler, 88, of Arlington, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah, Kentucky.
Ralph F. Tyler graduated from Milburn High School in Kentucky in 1956, where he played both baseball and basketball. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he attained the rank of Specialist Sergeant E-5. While serving in Washington, D.C., he met his future wife, who worked for the FBI. They were married for 53 years before her passing in 2014.
Ralph worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for more than 30 years before retiring. He was a University of Kentucky basketball fan and enjoyed checking on his cows, whom he affectionately called his “girls.” He also enjoyed meeting his friends each morning for coffee and a sausage biscuit. Ralph was known for his kind and generous nature, his welcoming personality, and the smile he so often shared with others. He enjoyed talking with people and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. His morning conversations with his buddies were a regular part of his routine, and they liked to say they had the “wealth of knowledge.”
Ralph was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, where he served as secretary and Sunday school teacher. He also served as president of Arlington Post American Legion 0250 for a time and as president of the Carlisle County Senior Citizens Center for approximately 10 years.
Ralph is survived by sons, Ralph “Jaye” Tyler Sr. (Debbie Stricklin) of Bardwell, Michael “Horse” W. Tyler of Arlington, and John (Karen) Tyler of Mayfield, Kentucky; his daughter, Lisa Mary Tyler of Indianapolis, Indiana; two sisters, Bettie Ferguson of Arlington, and Helen (Phillip) Hocker of Arlington; brothers, Kenneth Tyler of Arlington, and LH (Mary Jane) Tyler of Arlington; four grandchildren, Austin (Danielle) Tyler of Benton, Kentucky, Alan Tyler of Bardwell, Jacob (Michela) Tyler of Nashville, Tennessee, and Zach (Morghen) Tyler of Murray, Kentucky; and four great- grandchildren, Emmanuel James Tyler, Mazi Katherine Tyler, Jase Tyler, Elliott Tyler and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Elinor Stodolak Tyler; sister, Dottie Ivey; two brothers, James Tyler and Robert Tyler; and his parents, WR and Lucy Tyler.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 2, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Arlington, with Bro. Glen Stewart and Bro. Mark Lambert officiating. Burial will follow at Arlington Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the service time of 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Arlington.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
