Dennis Hayward Tyler; caring and compassionate teacher, devoted husband and father, and friend to all died on Jan. 14, 2014. Born Oct. 5, 1932 in Beaverdam, Va., he was the eldest of two sons born to John and Nancy Tyler of Montpelier, Va.
Dennis attended Virginia State College to study music education. After a year of college, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nev. As a member of the Air Force band Dennis performed at military and community functions. After 3 and a half years of military service, he returned to Virginia State College where he went on to graduate with a bachelor of science in music education with a focus on instrumental music, orchestra, and band.
Following his graduation from Virginia State he received his master’s degree in education administration and supervision from Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J. While pursuing his degree, he began his career as an educator, teaching music to elementary, middle school, and high school students in Patterson, N.J. He went on to receive his doctoral degree in educational administration, teacher training, and program development from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.
Dennis’ life was devoted to public education as evident of his years spent working at the elementary, high school, and college levels. His professional endeavors took him from teaching band in Patterson, N.J., to working for the president of Miles College in Fairfield, Ala., and finally to Centreville in the late ‘70s.
For the next 18 years Dennis worked as an assistant principal in the Fairfax County public school system, spending time at Chantilly High School, Thomas Jefferson High School, and Robinson Secondary School. After retiring he continued to pursue his love of music and teaching as a private music teacher for elementary school children in Fairfax County.
Dennis was a dedicated public servant and held leadership roles in a variety of community service organizations. A 60-year member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Dennis was an active member of the Alexandria-Fairfax Alumni Chapter. He loved his fraternity and was the coordinator for the fraternity’s scholarship fund for several years. Dennis was also active in the Chantilly Pyramid Minority Student Achievement Committee which provides educational programming to children in the Fairfax County school system.
A man of strong faith, Dennis was a charter member of St Andrew Lutheran Church of Centreville. Dennis served in a variety of leadership roles at the church, including church council secretary, stewardship drive chairman, and head usher. He was an active member of the evangelism ministry and performed in the yearly production of the play “The Last Supper.”
One of Dennis’ most treasured memories was the trip he took to Namibia in southern Africa to visit his church’s sister congregation. Because of his leadership at the church, he was asked to serve on the board of trustees for Gettysburg College, an honor he held for five years.
For 47 years Dennis enjoyed a rich and beautiful home life with his wife Barbara Tyler (formerly Perry) of Queens, N.Y. From this loving union one daughter, Kendra Lea, was born. He is survived by his wife Barbara, his daughter Kendra, his Aunt Mariah White, his niece Charlene Tyler, and many loving family and friends. He is predeceased by his mother Nancy, his father John, his brother John, and his niece, Iris Brown. Dennis will be remembered as a dedicated, kind, and loving husband and father, and a committed patron and friend. He will be deeply missed.