Dr. Don Tyler, professor emeritus with the University of Tennessee Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, passed away at his home in Beech Bluff, Tenn., on Sunday, May 7. He was 66.

 

Don was born on August 2, 1950, and was one of four children raised on a tobacco farm in western Kentucky. Growing up around this labor-intensive crop no doubt shaped his strong work ethic. He remained nostalgic about tobacco farming, leading a popular presentation on 18th century tobacco production every year at the Ames Plantation Heritage Festival.

After completing his Ph.D. in soil chemistry from the  University of Kentucky in 1978, Don joined the faculty at the UT Institute of Agriculture. He was stationed at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Jackson, although he traveled the state conducting field experiments in soil management.

He retired in June 2016 following a nearly 40-year career with UTIA. He was an internationally recognized expert in the field of soil science. He traveled the world educating other scientists and agriculturists, and his work was featured in numerous books and scientific journals.

Don devoted his life work to improving soil health in Tennessee and beyond, and is considered a pioneer of no-till farming. His research and educational efforts eventually saved millions of acres of Tennessee topsoil.

He was the recipient of numerous honors and accolades. His research was once featured in National Geographic. More recently, Don was recognized by former  President Barack Obama as a White House Champion of Change for Sustainable Agriculture, an honor bestowed upon a select group of extraordinary Americans.  on is survived by his brother, Kenneth Tyler of Mayfield, Ky.; goddaughter Aubree Danyel Dozier-Bates and her son, Bentley Bates; sister-in-law Colista Tyler of Henderson, Ky.; and nephew Thomas Tyler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Howard Tyler and Rosie May Byassee Tyler, and brothers Ronald and Morris Tyler.

A memorial service was held on May 13 at the Bodkin Funeral Home of Milan, Tenn. Condolences may be expressed at his online guest book at www.bodkinfh.com/obituary/4223552