SPRINGFIELD – Tyre W. Rees, 84, passed away Saturday, December 2, 2023, at his home.

He was born November 11, 1939, to George W. and Alma M. (Durham) Rees. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kristin M. Rees; brother, George T. Rees; sister, Sondra Rees Barnes; and brother-in-law, Mark Kerber.

Tyre served in the Illinois Air National Guard. He attended Enos Grade School, Lanphier High School, Springfield College and graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana with a B.S. in civil engineering. He was civil engineer for the State of Illinois District 9, retiring and working for MTA Engineering Firm. He then went on to become the traffic engineer for the City of Springfield, retiring in 2009. He was a longtime member of Elliott Avenue Baptist Church and attended Fairview Baptist Church. He was a member of St. Andrew's Society and IL Society of Professional Engineers and had attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Tyre was a dedicated volunteer as a Red Coat with Springfield Memorial Hospital and Meals on Wheels. He enjoyed traveling, photography, airplanes and WWII history.

He is survived by his daughter, Kelsey Rees (Major Caryn Shermetaro); siblings, Karen Kerber and Thomas (Johnyne) Rees; sister-in-law, Mary Anne Brooks Rees; his cat, Brisan; grandpups, Leo, Augie and Vinny; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, December 15, 2023, at the Grant Conservatory of Music, 501 W. Elliott Ave., Springfield, with Rev. Dr. Mark Estrop officiating. Private family inurnment will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Springfield Memorial Foundation, 701 N. First St., Springfield IL 62781, St. Andrew's Society, PO Box 5352, Springfield, IL 62705 or Fairview Baptist Church, 2001 N. 21st St., Springfield, IL 62702.