Leroy B. Tyler departed this earth on Saturday, December 25, 2021, after an extended illness. He was 78 years of age.  Leroy was born on January 7, 1943, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Leroy loved to tell his younger siblings about his life as a young child in Mississippi, how he helped on his grandma Sarah's farm early in the morning before going to school.

Leroy would say how things were not easy back in those days, and how he worked hard, but always had everything he needed and was never without.

In the year 1957 Leroy and his family moved to Akron, Ohio. He attended Central High School where he graduated class of 1963 and was a member of the National Honors Society.

As a young teenager living on Scott Ave in Akron, Leroy and his neighborhood friends would gather on the sidewalk in front of our home and sing doo-wop songs. They sounded so good harmonizing, the neighbors and our family would come out on their porches to hear them sing. Up to this day, Leroy has a beautiful collection of old albums and records. Leroy always talked about the fond memories of that neighborhood.

After we moved to Grace Avenue, Leroy started his first job working at the Brown Derby restaurant on East Market Street.

Leroy joined the United States Navy in 1964, and becoming a Navel Seaman EN3 stationed in Boston, Massachusetts and Key West, Florida on the USS Wasp Navy carrier until his Honorable discharge in 1967.

After his naval career, Leroy was employed with the B.F. Goodrich Company in Akron as a security guard where he worked for several years and was well respected by his employer and co-workers. Leroy was always receiving recognition for perfect attendance during his employment. During his employment Leroy purchased his first automobile, a blue Thunderbird Convertible.

Leroy decided to build a career in law enforcement. Whatever Leroy would put his mind to doing, there was no stopping him. He began his journey in several special training classes and intense book studies. It was a proud day for his family while we watched him be sworn in as a Deputy Sherriff and the placing of his official badge on him and seeing that big smile on his face. Leroy was a Deputy Sheriff for Summit County for 20 years and 5 months until his retirement.

During Leroy's years of service, he received many awards, certificates, and plaques for outstanding attendance and performance as a Deputy Sheriff. Leroy would be proud to tell you about the times he had special detail duty where he would pick up dignitaries, such as Alex Haley, Pulitzer Prize Author for his writing of "Roots" and "Malcolm X" and Senator Julian Bond of the state of Georgia.

Leroy held the office of treasury for the Black Law Enforcement Association. Leroy was an active member of Summit County Deputies FOP lodge #139 until he departed this earth. Leroy's last year if life was in and out of the Hospital and rehab. Unfortunately, Leroy's body and spirit became very tired, and the suffering ended. He is now in a peaceful place.

After Leroy passed away at Summa Akron City Hospital December 25, his body was covered with a Veterans blanket and being led by law enforcement he was given honors walk down the long hallway to elevators with nurses and staff on both sides and his family behind him.

Leroy was preceded in death by Rogers (Mildred) Tyler, Adrian J. Burkett; brothers, Calvin Burkett, and Nathan Tyler; sisters, Cassie Burkett-Bryson, Lisa Burkett and Sandra Johnson; granddaughter, Taja Tyler; and nephew, Julien Jackson.

Leroy leaves to cherish his fond memories, his mother, Lula Burkett of Akron; son, Tracy (Adrianna) Tyler of Miami Beach, Florida; daughter, Yvette Sommerville of Akron; brothers, Rogers O. (Irma) Tyler of Las Vegas, Nevada, Charles E. (Christine) Tyler of Gulfport, Mississippi; sisters, Shirley (Felix) Jackson of Alliance, Patricia (Bill) Parker of Gulfport, Mississippi, and Margie T. (Ralph) Sapp of Pembroke Pines, Florida; grandchildren, Taryn Hill of Atlanta, Georgia, Taylor Hill of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Errice Jones, Kaylie Sommerville, Kevin L. Scott and Tramir Jones all of Akron; special nephews and nieces, Adrian and Aaron Burkett and Sean Burkett, Larisa Burkett, Cassandra Burkett, Calvin Burkett Jr, Shannon, Candice, Marcus, and Haven Jackson; and a host of extended family and fellow Law Enforcement family that will truly miss him.

The family of Leroy B. Tyler wish to acknowledge all the loving and humble acts of kindness through your prayers, phone calls, flowers, or your uplifting words of comfort at a time much needed. Thank you one and all.