“Reach for the sky” ~~ and Tyler finally did. Tyler Pershing Allman, will always be the most precious son of Royer P. Allman III and Heather Hans Allman, and most loving brother to Ryan T. Allman. Surrounded by his parents and brother, Tyler peacefully entered the Kingdom of Heaven on January 21, 2018. We know that his Nana (Jacki Hans) was waiting for him with a “BIG -HUGE” hug and he greeted her with a bouquet of daisies.
Our son Tyler brought more inspiration in his 16 years than most do in a lifetime. Tyler was born with Juvenile Batten Disease but didn’t show signs of the terminal, neuro-degenerative disease until he was 8 years old.
Tyler loved every sport and was born a natural athlete like his dad. Tyler played t-ball until he began to lose his fine and gross motor skills, his vision, and suffered from seizures and eventually was no longer able to walk or talk. His favorite team was the Cubs and there was always a pitching machine or a batting tee in our backyard. Ty loved getting up early as a 6-yearold to go golfing with his dad or hitting golf balls in the woods behind our home. He loved the adventure of riding his dirt bike so far out that we couldn’t see him, but we were always thankful for his return.
Tyler’s love for Notre Dame football was constant! He loved to tailgate and listen to the band. He had a special day of touring the locker room and eating ice cream in the ND President’s suite and meeting the players on the field. Tyler met Sean Astin who played “Rudy”, which was probably Tyler’s best day ever! He watched the movie over and over. Tyler also loved the Colts and was the guest of Honor at their Make-A-Wish Gala a few years ago.
Tyler attended Hums Elementary School and was probably the longest running student in history! He was a definite “rock star” and every Friday was “TEAM TYLER DAY” as well as the end of year Field Day and everyone would wear their TEAM TYLER shirts. We cannot thank our Hums community enough for their unwavering love and support throughout our journey. Tyler moved on to middle school at John Young Middle School where he continued to be embraced with love with supportive staff.
Over the years, our hearts have been broken for the many things Tyler missed out on: high school, proms, getting his driver’s license, being a star athlete, getting accepted into the college of his choice and marrying the girl of his dreams and raising his own family. Yet, we have learned so much from the Ty-Man’s journey and now must continue without him in the physical world. Tyler taught us to give with an open heart; love with an open mind and appreciate every little second that life has to offer. He brought so much joy, love, and light into this world and he inspired many beyond words.
We’d like to thank everyone in the community and beyond for your walk with us. We especially would like to thank all the staff and families at Hums and JYMS. Tyler had many special people in his life through these full sixteen years and he loved them like family: Holly Colburn, Holly Marciniak, Melissa Brownbridge, Amanda Robbins, Michelle McCoige and Michele McKesson.
Tyler lived a full life filled with extra special friends-some of them include: Andrew Fox, Ethan Fowler, Nick Hoopingarner, Donavon Snyder, Aubrey Eberlein, Ali Moore, Maddy Payne and Bella Phillips. As well as the sisters he never had, Augie and Avery Stewart.
Tyler loved his firemen buddies while growing up, retired Mishawaka fireman, Joe DeVreese and South Bend Fire Chief, Chris Baker. Tyler looked forward to his “hair-do’s” from Jerry the barber. (Forgive us if we have left you off-know that we are grateful for so many and struggle to list everyone at this time!) An extra special thank you to Tanya Bade who helped care for Tyler in our home for the past 3 years and became a part of our family. We’d also like to thank Dean Huppert who has been with us since the beginning of our journey and who will honor Tyler’s legacy at his upcoming celebration of life. Tyler would be so honored.
Tyler is survived by his loving parents Royer P. Allman III and Heather Allman and his loving brother Ryan Allman. His Grampy, Larry Hans; His aunt Krista Hartman (Craig); Uncle Justin Hans (Paige); Uncle Ryan Hans (Katie) as well as his cousins Alexander Hartman and Violet and Henry Hans. He is also survived by his Great Aunt Karen Jordanek (Joe) and his Arizona auntie, Kelly Olson. Tyler was pre-deceased by his loving Nana, Jacqueline Berk Hans. Also surviving are his Grandpa, Royer P Allman, Jr. As well as his Grandma, Rebecca Allman and his great Grandma Elsie Snyder (Ralph). Aunt Carrie Clark (Tim) and Uncle Thomas Allman (Carrie); and his cousins Katie and Tim Clark and Brock, Madelyn and Grant Allman.
Only 500 children in the United States and 1,200 worldwide live with this devastating and terminal disease. We will do everything we can to honor Tyler’s legacy by continuing to help bring awareness to Batten disease.
If you’d like to make a contribution in Tyler’s honor, he would love for you to choose Make-AWish, who provided our family a Disney Trip of a lifetime and the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation that will eventually eradicate juvenile Batten disease-PO Box 50221 Austin, TX 78763 in memory of Tyler Allman. You can also go to tylerallman.com and that will take you directly to our family story as well as the donation page.
Viewing will be held Thursday, January 25th from 1:00-8:00 p.m. at River Valley Church-55855 Bittersweet Road, Mishawaka, IN 46544. Services for Tyler will be held Friday, January 26th at 10:00 a.m. Our dear friend, Dean Huppert will be eulogizing Tyler. Until we meet again~ walk by faith, not by sight. #teamtyler #fightingbattendisease
Hahn Funeral Home, Mishawaka has been entrusted with the final arrangements. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.
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