Tyler Rowland

There are times in life when there are no answers, only resounding questions that continuously resound in the depths of one’s soul. Why some are given decades in which to write their life’s song while others are given a mere whisper in time is one of the most painful questions that will be forever unanswered. All who knew Tyler Rowland would agree that he was a vibrant young man who was on fire for life, yet at the same time he had the most gentle soul of anyone we will ever meet. He was anything but shy and could talk to anyone, someone with wisdom beyond his years. There was nothing more near and dear to Tyler than his family, especially his twin brother who was his best friend from the time they were born. Although he was taken from those he loved much too soon, Tyler’s impact on the world around him was extraordinary.

The year 1997 was a year to remember filled with countless noteworthy events. All eyes were focused across the pond as the world said goodbye to Princess Diana while back in the states Microsoft became the world’s most successful corporation, valued at over $261 billion. A civil jury panel found O.J. Simpson guilty and Tiger Woods became the youngest golfer to win the Masters. It was during the heat of the summer this same year that a young couple from Greene Township, Indiana, was eagerly awaiting the births of their twins. The wait was over for Steve and Karen (White) Rowland on August 1st when their two sons, Tyler and Josh, made their arrival a bit earlier than expected in Indianapolis. They were identical twins who were the best of friends from birth. Throughout their lives they enjoyed the same activities, had the same friends, and were nearly inseparable.

Tyler Daniel came from a long line of dedicated family members who served in the military. In fact, several Rowland men and women have fought in every war beginning with the Civil War to the present day conflicts overseas. Since both of Tyler’s parents were active in the Air Force, it comes as no surprise that he and his brother loved to put life vests on and shoot each other with water guns, pretending to be Marines.

In many ways Tyler’s life was fairly common for boys of his age. He attended local schools, and in fourth grade their family moved to Martinsville, which brought him to Martinsville Middle School a bit later. Tyler was a good student who always earned all A’s and B’s, and he was looking so forward to attending Martinsville High School as a freshman this fall.

From a young age Tyler was very active. He loved shooting and fishing with his father, and he also liked to play paintball. Tyler was very athletic and was on the swim team, played football, and most recently began playing soccer, too. Like many young boys he was a bit of a thrill seeker as he liked riding four wheelers and was into motocross and following his favorite driver, James “Bubba” Stewart. Tyler was even saving his money to buy his own dirt bike. When it came to music it was usually rock and hip hop for Tyler, and he liked playing x-box. Of course his favorite game had to do with the military - Call of Duty. Tyler also loved just hanging out with his brother and friends including his other best friend, Gavin Asher. Actually, he enjoyed playing with children of all ages and never looked down on those who were younger.

Throughout his life Tyler cherished his family. He and his brother were joined at the hip to the point where they usually fell asleep in the same bed while watching television, even though they each had their own rooms. It wasn’t until sometime in the last year that they began sleeping in their own rooms on a regular basis. Tyler and Josh could watch television for hours together, rarely disagreeing on what to watch. He was close to his entire extended family as well as they were a supportive, close-knit group. Tyler loved staying with his aunts and uncles and spending time with his cousins as often as he could. He was a huge fan of his Aunt Sue’s chicken off the bone and rice.

The list of things to love about Tyler is so extensive. He was a thoughtful and respectful, a young man who never cussed as people couldn’t even pay him to say anything off color. Tyler was mindful of others and thought nothing of lending a helping hand to anyone who needed it in ways both great and small. Known for his deep imagination, he was so much fun to talk to, and he was quite the jokester who loved pulling legendary pranks. Not only did he love to laugh, but Tyler loved telling jokes, spreading his laughter to those around him. He was lighthearted and positive - able to find the humor in every situation. Tyler was a young man who knew where he was going in life, too, as he had plans of entering the Air Force after he graduated from college. It was important to him that he take part in this longstanding family tradition, and it is out of respect for Tyler and his family that the Air Force will be at his service to post colors in honor of such a remarkable young man.

Life will never be the same without Tyler Rowland here, but his family finds comfort in knowing that his last moments were spent having fun with his beloved brother. We will never forget the way he made us laugh with his energy that never ran dry, and his fun-loving personality that drew others to him with ease. Tyler was kind and loving with a genuine smile that told all those within his reach that he cared for them. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Tyler Daniel Rowland of Martinsville died on June 13, 2012. Tyler’s family includes his parents, Steve and Karen (White) Rowland of Martinsville; twin brother, Joshua David Rowland of Martinsville; paternal grandparents, James and Dorothy Rowland of Martinsville; maternal grandmother, Sandra White of Brazil; maternal grandfather, Charles White of Texas; great-grandmother, Ruth Harris; aunts and uncles, Kim Delgrego (Scot) of Ocala, Florida, Kelly Smith (Quinn) of Pueblo West Colorado, Kevin White (Sue) of Greenwood, Renee Szala (Tim) of Schertz, Texas, Dan Rowland of Kenee, New Hampshire; great-grandmother, Julie Ontiberoz of Houston, Texas; cousins, Justin, Jessica, Kayla, and Ryan Delgrego, Jordan Smith, Ghonch, and Idin Deljavan, Cameron, Victoria, and Sydney Szala, Debi Harris. A celebration of Life will be held at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 19, 2012, in the First United Methodist Church, 3150 E. Myra Ln., Martinsville. Visitation will be held there from 3-8 p.m., Monday, June 18, 2012. Rev. Mark Suter will officiate the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tyler Rowland ATV Safe Riding Fund, C/O ABATE of Indiana, 51 N. Baldwin Str., Bargersville, IN 46106, or online at www.abateofindiana.org. Funeral and cremation arrangements are being handled by Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a favorite memory.