Tyler Robert Rathbun

Nov 27, 2012 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2012 | 4 comments

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

0 0 votes

Article Rating

4 Comments

Oldest

Newest Most Voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

The Breckenridge Family

10 years ago

Caroline shared with us some favorite memories of your Tyler. His favorite Mickey Mouse shirt the Caroline called “creepy” and Tyler kindly told her was his favorite shirt. She also saw him in boxers and cowboy boots and when she asked him if he wanted to put pants on, Tyler looked down and simply said, “No, I’m good.” I think this speaks to great confidence and humble nature. Caroline was blessed to know him. Our prayers are with you all. Caroline Breckenridge and her family.

Susan

10 years ago

A sweet, sweet boy
his special grin
I can’t believe
we’ll never see him again

My heart aches
for his family and friends
And I can’t comprehend
this untimely end

Those special times
we all spent together
We hold dear in our hearts
forever and ever

Always a smile
a kind word to offer
He excelled at it all
especially soccer

A passion for life
a love for outdoors
The infectious laugh
we’ll hear no more

No words can describe
the pain we all hold
So live now for Tyler
you can do it, be bold

He would want us to go on
fulfilling our dreams
A life of accomplishment
always being a team!

RIP Tyler!

Laurie Atchity Dressman

10 years ago

Dear Tyler Family and Community…I am so sad to hear of Tyler’s passing. My daughter Alex has been so hurt and in pain from the reality and loss of his happy spirit. I pray for your community, that you find a sense of understanding and peace with such a tragic loss. I am so awed by the Lancer community from the surrounding colleges and the pictures on Tyler’s Facebook page. I will think of his face often, even though I didn’t know him and I will pray for all of you during your loss and pain. God Bless you.

Ken & Barbara (Keller) Jeroue

10 years ago

Theresa, Clay & Alex – There are no words that can relay our sorrow in this tragedy..Please know that you all, as well as your whole community, are in our thoughts & prayers. From all the comments I have read, Tyler was an outstanding young man and will be missed by so many..May God hold you in the palm of His hand in the coming days, months & years..

Kind Words

Thank you both for the patience and understanding on the logistics of BK's funeral arrangements. It was a pleasure to work with you both. My sister, Julie, couldn't have been more pleased. The services you offer are well thought out and executed with compassion.

MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

Beth W.

You both have exceeded your calling, and I'm so grateful you were there for me.

Marchia

Thank you so much for all of the care and concern you have given our family. We appreciate all of your help in planning the funeral. You did a wonderful job!

The Abram Family

Words will never be enough to properly express our gratitude...Your care for him and your guidance in our hour of need will never be repaid. Thank you, a million times, for you compassion and respectful service.

Nicole

Thank you so much for your compassionate care of our family. You have answered Dad's call to comfort grieving families, and we are so grateful.

Nancy

"Thank you so much for the wonderful help you have been to our family. You met and exceeded our wishes"

Bukeka and Makeda

"You gave us the personal attention that we needed during the process. Thank you for going the extra step for us"

Cynthia

"A giant THANK YOU for your knowledge, care, concern, suggestions and friendship"

Joyce F.

"Thank you so much for coordinating my mom's funeral. You could not have been more respectful and empathetic"

Amy E.

Thanks for making this an easier experience than I could have imagined.

Bill B.

You made the whole experience of losing my Dad so much more bearable thank I could have imagined. Thank you so much for everything.

Paula H.

Thank you again for all of your help, support and encouragement.

Linda S.

I want to thank you and the friend that is making these wonderful white cloths ... whenever I see it it reminds me of a shroud and brings a very pleasant peace.

thank you dear friend

Elaine

I'm Speechless, you are so kind. You made Richard's celebration of Life and awesome experience. Richard and I shared our life together for 45 years and you have put my life in a happier place.
Most Grateful I am, Robert S.

Robert S.

Your service (and that of the other team members at Signature Funerals) was so helpful to my family throughout the aftermath of my dad's death. Thank you again for your sensitive but wide-ranging help and advice. The service and celebration of his life went smoothly and was cathartic to everyone, due in large part to all of you at Signature Funerals.

Katie C.

"We can't begin to thank you for all you did to help us with Mike. Your kindness and thoughtfulness provided peace and comfort for all of us. You have been such a blessing for both my mom and my husband. You are God's grace for us"
With much gratitude and love,

Vicki and family

"I really appreciate the time you spent with me on my unannounced visit regarding funeral arrangements for Marion. You went above and beyond with notes and drafting a letter for me, Bless you"

Jill H.

Cathy Boomer has a very calming influence and sense of peacefulness about her, even in the most emotional situations. She handled all the details of my mother's passing and funeral with professional dignity. She was unobtrusive but in control of all the little details and we, as a family, relied on her with immense satisfaction.

Nancy H.

"Just a note to say how pleased I was with your funeral services for Judy. It made the situation much more tolerable."

Ralph F.

"Thank you so very much for the "In Loving Memory" book. It was truly a lovely meaningful gift for us. And, thank you again for making Michael's final tribute a beautiful lasting memory for us."

Genanne D.

"We appreciate all that you did to make my mother's visitation simple and elegant. Your staff helped all of our family feel very comfortable. Your place was perfect for honoring and celebrating my mother's life."

Sue and Bernie

"Thanks for all your wonderful help. To do what you did in such a short period of time was truly amazing. It sure made us feel good to know all of the details were being taken care of very professionally."

Mark R.

"Thank you for all you did to make Dallas' memorial and celebration of his life a good day for our family. Your kindness will never be forgotten."

Eleanor P.

I want to thank you, on behalf of my family, and father in particular, beginning with your presence with us the night of mom's passing in her room. You were a calming presence throughout. Your funeral space is lovely and uplifting. It was, indeed, the perfect space for such a somber, but also celebrated gathering. Thank you for your guidance throughout.

Rebecca B.

"Thanks so much for all you did to make our son's service so beautiful so that we could touch the lives of many through him."

Jim and Leslie

"Thank you so very much for all the work you did for Papa. He was the neatest man and I'm so lucky to have had so much time with him. We are grateful."

Cherlyn

"At such a difficult time, it was comforting to have your respectful and tender care of my mom and her arrangements. The service was a beautiful end to her journey to Heaven. You truly have a unique gift."

Holly G.

"Thank you so much for your care for me and my family after mom's death. Your love and attention was so helpful and you made it easy for me and my siblings to have fun with each other."

Brian O.

"I want to thank Signature Funerals and yourself for everything you have done during this hard time. You made this nightmare into something for us to be proud of. The kindness and love you showed us from day one was truly amazing. God Bless."

Ned and Kimberly

"Thank you so much. Everything was lovely and we have received so many compliments."

Anne E.

"Just want to thank you for helping to give such a nice memorial service for our loved one. You were wonderful and went beyond anything expected. I appreciate it and I appreciate you and the strength you give me."

Debbie Brown

"Thank you so much for opening your heart up to our family."

Mabel B.

"Words can not express our gratitude for helping us with our loved one's needs and the visitation service. You, especially, made such a tragic and sad time more bearable. Your friendship and professionalism went miles to help my family and myself."

Marta Reber Warren

"I feel so lucky to have been able to know you a little and work with you for the funeral of our mom. You were everywhere and it was a comfort to us to turn her over to you, knowing you would treat her with loving kindness. Thank you so much."

Susan W.

"I recently had an opportunity to use your services after my father and step-mother died within a 7 week period. Because I had dealt with Michelle Parks previously when my mother-in-law died, I contacted her when the need arose. I could not have been more pleased with my experience. Dad wanted to be cremated and Mom wanted a traditional burial with a casket. I sat down with Michelle each time in your beautiful facility and she made it easy for me to understand the options as she gently guided me through the process. She covered all the bases in one sitting and I was impressed with the very competitive price structuring of your services."

"Michelle was absolutely fabulous each time. I felt that I received very personal service and she was available to answer my questions at any hour. She was understanding, compassionate, and very knowledgeable about her industry. I am hoping to take a break from your services for a while, but when the need arises again, I will call Signature Funerals."

Bryan C. Nelson M.D.

"Even though the passing of my father was a traumatic experience as would be expected, working with Cathy Boomer and the team at Signature Funerals, made the entire experience one to be cherished and remembered in only the most positive of lights. From the time hospice was called in to assist my father and our family through his final transition, to the planning and actual day of his service Signature Funerals handled every detail. In particular Cathy Boomer displayed an innate and unique ability to explain each and every step, being very careful not to overwhelm us during a very fragile time for our family. Looking back on this, it is evident that this is not only an important piece if ensuring a pleasant experience, but that it is a fine line that I believe is not necessarily shared by all that provide the type of service as Signature Funerals. The time that Cathy and the spent with us in the days leading up to my father’s service was focused on anticipating things we may not have thought of, things we needed to know as well as understanding what was important to our family and my father to ensure the service truly did honor his life."

"As said before, Cathy and Signature Funerals, helped our family create a memory that we will never forget and cherish forever. I would happily recommend Cathy and her team over and over again."

Andre Player | Vice President Anthem Media Group