Realus "Big Red" Brent Tyson,81 of Mortons Gap passed away Friday, October 18, 2019, at Western Kentucky Veteran Center in Hanson. He had resided at the WKVC in Hanson for the last 5 and 1/2 years. "Red" was born in the home of his maternal grandparents to Realus Mercer Tyson and Abigail (Sisk) Tyson on September 20, 1938, in Hopkins County near the community of Moss Hill. During his childhood, he grew up in Mortons Gap and attended school there and at South Hopkins High School, where he was in the first Senior graduating class of 1956. He loved playing baseball and was a catcher for Mortons Gap School. He immediately joined the United States Marine Corps after high school graduation and went to Parris Island, SC for basic training. After 2 years active duty, he returned home and remained in the active reserves until July, 1962. He married Bonnie Crick of Barnsley in April, 1959, to this union 4 daughters were born. He worked for L&N Railroad (CSX) for 32 years as a conductor, and retired back to Morton’s Gap. Enjoyment came from riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles for many years until his health prevented him from doing so. He loved watching MLB and his favorite NL team was the St. Louis Cardinals and his favorite AL team was the New York Yankees. He was a member of Old Salem Missionary Baptist Church and also attended Earlington Assembly of God.
Always a Marine, he was a member of the American Legion and an outspoken advocate of US Veterans.
In addition to his parents and the girls’ mother, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Penny Tyson, in 2002, and his dog, Pepper.
He is survived by 3 daughters: Jennifer (Chris) Collins of Gallatin, TN, Gaylina (Kenneth) Crawford of Dawson Springs, and Lesley Bennett of Madisonville; 5 grandchildren: Chasta Fuller, Cody Nelson, Uriah Greer, Samual Bennett, and Rebecca Gail; 4 great-grandchildren: Nichole and Brandon Kemble, Paxton Brady-Nelson, and Amilyah Nelson; one great-great grandson, Kingdyn.
The family would like to thank the staff of the WKVC for their love and care of Brent these past few years. Also, to Roy and Kathy Cherry for their love for Brent and caring for Pepper.
Funeral services will be held at Bandy Funeral Home on Saturday at 11:00 A.M. with Bro. Roy Cherry officiating. Burial to follow at Grapevine Cemetery with military rites performed by Ho. Co. Honor Guard. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. at the funeral home.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers to send memorial contributions to the WKVC in Hanson for the activities dept., WKVC Activities DEPT, 926 Veterans’ Drive, Hanson, KY 42413.
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