Otis Calvin Tyler

Otis Calvin Tyler, 89, of Indianapolis passed away on December 10, 2020.  Otis was born in Burnett (Vigo County), IN on February 25, 1931 the fifth child of twelve born to Joseph and Nellie (Redmon) Tyler.  He graduated from Garfield High School (Terre Haute, IN).  Otis served his country honorably as a Sheet Metal Mechanic in the U.S. Air Force.  During his career, Otis worked for the United States Postal Service, retiring as the Regional Computer troubleshooter.

Otis was active in many civic organizations, he coached football at St. Rita Catholic School, served as President of Brightwood Community Center, and was a past-member of 100 Black Men, where he mentored and tutored at School #27.  Otis was also a faithful past-member of the Masonic Lodge #33, where he served as Master (twice), Secretary, Treasurer and instituted many of the programs which are still active today.  He also belonged to the Royal Arch Masons, the Shriners and served as Worthy Patron of the Nellie M. Strong #59 for 10 years and as a Youth and Pythagorean Leader.  He was bestowed the honor of Past Most Worshipful Grand Master and served as Grand Secretary for the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Indiana for 20 years.

Otis was devoted to his family and was happiest when they were around.  He enjoyed planning large family gatherings, especially around the holidays.  He was President of the National Tyler Family Association, twice, and led the Indiana Chapter to host the National Tyler Family Reunion.  He adored his grandkids and took great joy in spoiling them, with cookies, candy, ice cream and various other treats.  He also enjoyed genealogy and was a member of the Indiana African American Genealogy Group.  He was proud to have traced his own family history back to 1796.

Otis was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Clarence, Joseph and Emmitt; three sisters: Charlotte, G. Rosemary and Hilda; one daughter, Thea; son-in-law, Tony; and two brothers-in-law, Woodrow and John.

Otis is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Phyllis (Lester) Tyler; daughters: Stacey, Marletta (Rolland), Phiandra (LeRoy), Shawna, Beverly (Cory) and Susan (William); three sons: Derrick (Janice), Todd and William (Nicole); three brothers: Sherman (Alice), Herschel (Mary), Russell (Suzette), and Ralph (Paulette); one sister, Beverly; one sister-in-law, Debra; two brothers-in-law, Richard and William (Chapelle); and one son-in-law, Paul; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

Friends may call from 10am until 12 Noon on Saturday, December 26, 2020 at Womack Memorial CME Church (4401 N. Carrollton Avenue, Indianapolis) where his service will immediately follow beginning at 12 Noon.  Services will be livestreamed on the Womack Memorial CME Church Facebook page and via Zoom.  To join the Otis Calvin Tyler’s Homegoing Celebration Zoom Meeting click HERE; Meeting ID: 893 4925 0241; Passcode: 100974.

Family and friends are invited to visit Otis’ tribute page at www.LegacyCremationFuneral.com.