Jean Houston Tyra Jr.

Jean Houston Tyra, Jr. Born May 10th, 1954 on Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois. Jean spent his youth between Southern California and Indianapolis. His favorite childhood memories were of camping during the summers in Yosemite and Sequoia or water skiing at Salton Sea. He loved his Gronnie and Pap, especially his Gronnie’s cooking. Jean was taught by his Paps to work on small engines, which later turned into a life-long love of building motorcycles and working on cars.

As an adult, Jean worked as machinist for Hughes Tool in Texas. He later moved back to Indianapolis where he would earn his master automotive and diesel mechanics certification. He graduated with honors through Lincoln Tech. His passion was working on his Harley and trying to build the ultimate “rocket bike,” which he dreamed of racing on the salt flats and breaking the land speed record.

Jean was commonly known as “Caveman” amongst his friends and epitomized the biker culture. Behind his scraggly beard and wild hair was a someone who could definitely be hard and tough but also very kind. Jean always tried to take care of people close to him. He wasn’t perfect and incredibly flawed, but he tried to love the best he could. He was a prolific storyteller of his travels and living through the counter-culture of the 60s and 70s. Those who knew him knew that he was unabashed user of cannabis all his life. It was often joked that he was sometimes more marijuana than man. He loved a good laugh and good times with those he chose to share his time with, although he could be reclusive until he sized you up. So, if you got to spend time Jean you’re very lucky – he must have liked you…just a little bit. Many of his friends would love to come hang out just to hear his stories or jokes. Many of those he helped called him “Daddy Jean” and knew they could always come to him for a meal, a place to stay, auto repair – whatever he could give to help, he would.

Jean was married for 48yrs to his wife Midge (Red). They raised 4 children together. Later he enjoyed quieter times with his many grandchildren.

Jean is preceded in death by some of his most cherished family. His Grandparents Jewel and Carl Tyra, his mother Sally Quinn, daughter Chastidy Tyra, Brothers Troy and Carl Tyra and sister Candy-Ann Crane

Jean is survived by his Father Jean{Pat} Tyra Sr, Wife Mildred Tyra, his siblings Will, Jeff, Don, and Cindy, his children Chris, Harley, Angel, and Farretta, his grandchildren, David, Kylee, Justice, Jasmine, Jewel, Daniel, Amelia, Ellie, Hunter, Dakota, Tyler, Vivionna, and Jared, and his great-grandchildren Ashton and Jordan.