Gerald T. Tyler, 77, of Crisfield, died on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at the Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Home in Crisfield.

Born on Tylerton, Smith Island April 22, 1932, he was the son of the late Thomas Tyler and Nola Tyler. He retired as a tug boat Captain after 34 years.

He was a member of the Union United Methodist Church on Tylerton and the Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church in Crisfield. He was also a member of the Chesapeake Masonic Lodge # 147 AF & AM, York Rite Commandry, Boumi Temple Shrine, the Accohannock Indian Tribe, and loved beachcombing looking for arrowheads and driftwood.

Surviving is his wife of 59 years, Beulah Frances Carey Tyler; three sons, Gerald T. "Tommy" Tyler, Jr. (Tina) of St. Michaels, Clarence Tyler (Vivian) of Princess Anne, and Danny Tyler (Sally) of Tylerton; two daughters, Cindy Tyler of Vermont, and Tara Whittington (James) of Crisfield; also survived by 14 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 8 step-great-grandchildren.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, and step-grandson.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield where a Masonic Service will be conducted by the Chesapeake Lodge # 147. The Rev. Debra Pierce Dunn will officiate. Friends may call Friday from 6 to 8 p.m.

In his memory donations may be made to the Tylerton Fire & Rescue Squad, Tylerton, MD 21866 or the Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Home Building Fund, 201 Hall Highway, Crisfield, MD 21817.

To send condolences to the family, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com