Tyler was born in Tulsa March 28, 1924 to Mary Willis (Billee) and E.T. Tennelly. He passed away on August 5 at the age of 94. He was named after his father, Elbert Tyler Tennelly but was known as Tyler all his life. After graduating from Tulsa Will Rogers High School, class of 1942, he began college at Texas A&M and enlisted in the Army Reserve. He was called into active duty and shipped out of NY Harbor in October of 1944 and was assigned to the 103rd Infantry Division, 2nd Battalion, Intelligence and Reconnaissance, as a special agent. After landing in Marseilles, France, his unit faced its first combat in the Vosges Mountains of eastern France. In December, 1944, he was hit by shell fragments from a mortar burst and was hospitalized for many weeks. He returned to his unit in February, 1945.They pushed through the Siegfried Line, crossed the Rhine River and ended up in Innsbruck, Austria to celebrate V-E Day.  After the war Tyler decided to request orders to attend the Architectural College at L'Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. He studied there and enjoyed Paris until late 1946 when he returned home.  Tyler was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman's badge, and the Bronze Star. He remained active in the U.S. Army Reserve until retiring in 1980 as a Colonel. He competed often in the Army Reserve Rifle team competitions and had an NRA classification as Master-high power rifle. He greatly enjoyed shooting and had a roomful of trophies.

Tyler graduated from the School of Architecture at Oklahoma A&M College (now OSU), class of 1950. He met his lovely Wanda Sweatt in Stillwater; they were married in June of 1950. Through the years, he worked for many established architects in Tulsa but preferred being an independent consultant to having his own firm. He was well known and respected for his attention to detail and work ethic. He worked on many commercial and institutional jobs, a few special residences, and the Markham Ferry dam project.

He often worked two jobs to support his family but was always present for his daughters' school, sports, dance, and other events. When his daughters were young and through their teens, family vacations often took place with Army Reserve summer camp destinations as a starting point. Later, he and Wanda enjoyed traveling in the US and Europe with travel groups. Tyler audited classes at Tulsa Junior College to brush up on his French. In 1990, he became one of the first male docents at Philbrook Museum where he volunteered for eight years. His knowledge and love of art and architecture served him well. He retired in 1986 but continued to work part time on various commercial projects and volunteer work. Through the years, he was very active in reunions with Rogers HS and his Army buddies all over the US. He had lifelong friendships with many fellow students of the OSU architecture school and Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

Wanda became ill in the early 90's and Tyler reduced his workload to care for her. He was by her side during this difficult time and was a patient, thoughtful caregiver. He put away his drawing board for good in early 1999. Wanda passed away in October of 1999.

He became more active at All Souls Unitarian Church enjoying his friends at Evening Alliance and attending services with other family members. He assisted as an usher for many memorial services. His favorite times were spent with his children and grandchildren.

Tyler and Wanda had two daughters, Julie and Laura, born and reared in Tulsa, OK. Tyler is survived by Julie Tennelly Hunt (husband Gary Hunt) and by Laura Tennelly Freeman (husband, Bruce Freeman). His grandchildren are Allie Feck Sequera (husband Axzel Sequera) of Houston and Nick Freeman and Charlie Freeman of Tulsa.