Obituary

The world took little note of July 9, 1985 as it was a day like any other. But to his parents and all that knew him it was special day, for it is the day Tyler Lee Teague came into this world. Born to Ken and Judy Teague in Humble, Texas, Tyler began his life’s journey ? a journey that would touch the lives and hearts of so many.

When Tyler was six months old, he moved with Mom, Dad, and brother Travis to Denver, Colorado. The family returned to Fort Worth, Texas when Tyler was 2 _ and he later started school in Calgary, Alberta. Returning to Texas to finish the first and to begin the second grades, he was then on to Bakersfield, California, which was home for eight years.

After finishing the 9th grade in Bakersfield, the family moved to Orange County and Tyler graduated from Aliso Niguel High School. He received his diploma almost a year early in the summer of 2002 – as member of the class of 2003. And immediately in August 2002 he started his college work at New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico.

Tyler had dreamed from the time he was a young boy about being a Marine. He was a member of the Young Marines youth group and loved to discuss military history and politics. He was on his way to realizing his dream but something happened that changed his course. Tyler began the biggest battle of his life when he was diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer, desmoplastic small round cell tumor — DSRCT, on November 1, 2002.

What a valiant fight it was. Tyler’s courage, grace, and steadfastness in the face of such a formidable foe inspired all of us. Time and time again he faced treatment and surgery after surgery in his effort to beat this deadly disease. However, in his physical weakness, he became spiritually stronger. And yet his personality did not change.

He had a unique combination of being a Christian with the heart and attitude of a Marine. This gave him a unique perspective with an ability to be a joking and fun loving person until the end. He would make comments with language which could be used in polite company and yet embarrass even his nurses while he made you laugh. When you talked with Tyler during his battle against his cancer, you quickly forgot that this skinny bald young man was sick.

For Tyler, being a soldier in this world was not nearly as important as being a soldier for the Lord. He realized that no matter what this disease did to his physical body, it could not separate him from the love of God. His wonderful spirit and attitude cheered-up all of those who came to see him.

Tyler lost his battle with cancer on May 27, 2004 at 4:23 am. As the apostle Paul, Tyler had ?fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith.? II Timothy 4:7 Therefore, there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness. Tyler knew a single victory or a solitary defeat does not determine the value of a life. It was Tyler’s mission to have a character that could effect a positive change in those around him and so know that the world was a better place because he had been on this earth. Tyler won this most important battle of all.

Tyler is survived by his parents, Ken and Judy Teague, of Aliso Viejo, California and his older brother, Travis, of Dallas Texas, paternal grandparents, Silas Afton and Mary Nell Teague of Amarillo, Texas. Tyler was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Herschel Miller, but is survived by his grandmother Ann Miller Shields and his stand-in grandfather Walt Shields of Idalou, Texas. He also is survived by a large number of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Uncles include Jerry Miller of Hart, Ray Teague of Dallas, and Joe Teague of Austin. Aunts include Kathy Hardcastle of Las Vegas, NV, Jana Brooke of Allen, TX and Jill Lopez of Simi Valley, CA.

There will be a memorial service and celebration of Tyler’s remarkable life at Tustin Church of Christ on 16481 E Main Street in Tustin Saturday May 29 at 11:00 am. Then Tyler’s earthly vessel will be taken for graveside service and burial to Judy’s childhood home of Idalou, Texas where Tyler had spent many vacations and holidays. Graveside services are tentatively scheduled for Thursday June 3 at 11:00 am. There will be a viewing at the White Funeral Home in Idalou from 9:30 to 10:30 and a reception following at the Idalou clubhouse from 12:00 to 1:00. There will be a visitation Friday May 28 from 12-2 PM at the O?Conner Laguna Hills Mortuary 25301 Alicia Parkway. A reception will follow the Saturday memorial service at the Canup home at 28422 La Pradera in Laguna Niguel, CA 92677.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Mexico Military Institute Foundation, Inc. at 101 W. College Boulevard, Roswell, NM 88201 for the Tyler Teague Memorial. This will be a scholarship fund in Tyler’s name that will have criteria based on the character and experiences of Tyler’s life.

The family expresses their appreciation to the oncology staff at Children’s Hospital of Orange County and to Dr. Kirov for their care and love given Tyler during the past 20 months.

Webster defines character as ?moral excellence and firmness.? Tyler was a man of character. He was an incredible example of courage and faith to all those around him.
And he taught us that the young have so much to offer, so much to teach us.

Now Tyler’s journey is over. It breaks our hearts that we no longer have the gift of Tyler with us on this earth but we rejoice and find comfort knowing that he is at home with the Lord ? free from pain and sickness. May God grant us all the love and kindness toward our fellow man that was reflected in the life of Tyler Teague.