Tyler Micah Eckel Contribution to IJM.org

We are parents full of rich memories of his life.

We are friends who have shared lifelong moments.

We are teachers that have watched as he grew and matured.

We are students or visitors to their home that had the opportunity to hang out with him.

We are people who have loved, laughed, and enjoyed the gift of his presence.

And finally, we are family, one that loves all that he was, is, and will become.

At this moment, we stand together with open hearts, with strength, and in unity with our dear friends, the Eckels.

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For those of you who are willing, and in honor of their incredible son, the family has given their blessing and permission to support the important work of the International Justice Mission. All donations will go directly to IJM.org, an organization that works to ensure women, children, and men are protected from violence. International Justice Mission is a global organization that partners with local authorities in 24 program offices in 14 countries to combat trafficking and slavery, violence against women and children, and police abuse of power. Learn more: https://www.ijm.org/about-ijm

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Tyler Micah Eckel

July 14, 1983 ~ June 16, 2022 (age 38)

Tyler Micah Eckel, age 38 of Defiance, OH, succumbed to a two-decade battle with the anguish of mental illness, on Wednesday, June 15, 2022.

Tyler was born to Mark and Robin Eckel on July 14, 1983 in Goshen, IN. Throughout his life he lived in Bismarck, ND, Adrian, MI, Wheaton, IL, Ashville, NC, Fishers, IN, and Defiance, OH. He was a 2002 graduate of Wheaton North High School, attended College of DuPage and later graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. 

Tyler was an artist, chiefly of poems and letters. His legacy is a love for family, friends, farming, literature, poetry and letter writing. His sweetness and gentleness were felt by all who had the benefit of knowing him. Tyler’s gift of keen observation was used to uplift those around him with kind words and acts. His dogs and cats experienced a love they could never have found elsewhere. Tyler was a beautiful soul who suffered under the duress of paranoid schizophrenia. The intruding voices in his head would not let him rest. 

Mourning Tyler’s death with inexpressible grief are his parents, Mark and Robin of Fishers, IN, his sister and brother-in-law, Chelsea and Sam, and his nieces and nephews, Marilyn, Isaiah, Joanna, and Benjamin of Defiance, OH, (whom he doted on) along with his grandmother, Virginia Eckel of Littleton, CO. He was deeply loved by his uncles, aunts and cousins (Larry and Jan Renoe, cousins: Ethan and Luke; Bob and Cheryl Ewing, cousins: Sara, Linzy, and Jamie). His friends Daniel and Adam were as brothers, and he loved and was loved by so many others. We will all miss Tyler, terribly. 

As a boy Tyler knew Jesus loved him and he loved Jesus, and as a man he fought to keep believing. His family clings to hope in Jesus, who “is able to sympathize with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15) and promises “he who comes to me I will never cast out” (John 6:37). 

In lieu of flowers please send memorial donations to International Justice Mission (ww.ijm.org) or the Fort Defiance Humane Society (fortdefiancehumanesociety.org).

Tyler's Obituary: https://www.schafferfh.com/obituary/Tyler-Eckel

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Note on the motivation for this fund:

My name is Barry Walton, I am a student of Mark Eckel and have known the Eckels now for 32 years. Mark Eckel was my Christian Studies teacher at Lenawee Christian School (LCS) in Adrian, Michigan. Upon taking his class, he instantly left a memorable impact on my life. It was something between his style of teaching and personality that opened my mind and my ears, and we have maintained contact ever since. 

At some point between high school and college, I visited Mark and Robin at their home. I can clearly recall the energetic Tyler, just a child, as he played and roamed about in the house. In that small window of time, I understood the authentic love that these parents shared for their son. There was a warmth and a kindred love for each other that I wanted a part of for myself. It was arguably that emotion that maintained my friendship with Mark into adulthood. When I learned of the loss of his son, I was overcome with emotion and was clearly prompted by God to do something more. This fund raiser is an opportunity to contribute to a family that we all have loved.

Thank you,

Barry Walton