Gene G. Tyree

Gene G. Tyree, age 95, passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at The Brook Assisted Living in West Branch, Michigan. He was born on December 1, 1928, in Ponca City, Oklahoma to Ralph and Beulah (McClure) Tyree. He lived in West Branch since 1968, formerly of Bay City, MI.

In September of 1956, he married Patsy Stephens in Bay City. 

Gene graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in Missouri in 1946. Shortly after graduation, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving from 1946 to 1950, during the very end of World War II. This experience shaped his character and commitment to his community.

Upon returning from military service, Gene began his career in Bay City, where he worked at Bay City Shovel and then Defoe Ship Building Company. Following this, he dedicated thirteen years as a police officer, serving the Bay City community with integrity and honor. Later, he moved to West Branch, where he started the first Sears Catalog Store for 13 years, a venture that embodied his entrepreneurial spirit.

After retiring, Gene enjoyed spending summers with his wife Patsy for 13 years, on Mackinac Island, working at Mighty Mac Hamburgers, increasing the revenue by 150%, and Mission Point Resort, where he cherished his time in the company of others while enjoying the beautiful scenery. In the cold winter months, they enjoyed their time in Florida to relax.

In addition to his professional life, Gene had varied interests and hobbies. He enjoyed traveling in the motorhome around the US with Patsy and loved hunting and fishing, and camping. He found joy in birdwatching and was an avid fan of Oklahoma football.

Gene leaves behind his beloved wife, Patsy Tyree, of West Branch. He is also survived by his children: son David Tyree of Cary, North Carolina; daughter Janet Moore of Ankeny, Iowa; and son Bruce (Nancy) Tyree of West Branch. He was a proud grandfather to David Tyree II, Jeannette (Robert) Cawthorne, Kalie (Luke) Gascho, and Shannon Tyree. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Jackson, Tobias, William, Eliza, and Lenny.

He was preceded in death by his parents and also by three brothers and three sisters.

Gene will be fondly remembered for his love of family, his service to his country, and his contributions to the communities he called home.

Cremation has taken place. 

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. www.steuernolmclaren.com