Tyler Robert Rathbun, beloved son of Theresa and Clay Rathbun and brother of Alexander, passed away Sunday, November 25, 2012. The world has been deprived of a sunny, talented and charming young man too soon.

Tyler was born December 22, 1994 in Kansas City, MO. He attended Westwood View Elementary School; Indian Hills Middle School and Shawnee Mission East High School where he was a senior.

At an early age, Tyler found his passion and the place where he could make an impact: on a soccer field.  Tyler was an accomplished soccer player, starting by kicking the ball with his older brother in the back yard.  He won multiple awards and recognitions, most notably breaking a school record by scoring 22 goals in his senior season and earning Regional Offensive Player of the Year, a first for any Shawnee Mission East soccer player.

Tyler loved the outdoors and spent time hunting, fishing and hiking.  One of his favorite places to spend time outdoors was at the family cabin in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

But more importantly, Tyler was loveable and loving. He had a big heart, treating others with compassion and kindness. He went out of his way to be kind even when he didn’t need to be kind.  He lit up a room with his big smile and infectious laugh. He was someone people were drawn to and he drew energy from others.

Tyler will be missed by his parents, Theresa and Clay Rathbun, his brother, Alex, paternal grandparents Ron and Betty Rathbun, Uncles Randy and Cory Rathbun and Aunt Lori Kerr, several great aunts and great uncles, numerous cousins and a host of friends.  Tyler was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Howard and Eileen Vladar.

The funeral service will be held Friday, November 30, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, Kansas.  A gathering celebrating Tyler’s life will follow at 6:30 p.m. in the Shawnee Mission East High School auxiliary gym.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Tyler Rathbun Memorial  Fund for future development of youth soccer and a soccer field in Tyler’s memory. Contributions may be sent C/O: Signature Funerals, 8019 State Line Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114.

Tyler’s Memorial Service will streamed live from the Village Presbyterian website at   www.villagepres.org

Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.  Arr:  Signature Funerals 8019 State Line Rd Kansas City, MO  816-214-5174  www.cathyb6.sg-host.com

Click link below to view guest book:

http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/kansascity/guestbook.aspx?n=tyler-robert-rathbun&pid=161286698&cid=full