Douglas Charles Tyrrell

Douglas Charles Tyrrell, 84, of Osawatomie, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

Doug was born May 11, 1942, in Muskegon, Michigan, the second of three sons born to Wellington Lionel and Ruth Harriet (Healy) Tyrrell. He grew up in Manistique, Michigan, and graduated with the Class of 1960.

Some of Doug’s fondest memories were of his childhood in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He developed lifelong friendships and especially enjoyed reconnecting with friends and classmates, including those who had been members of the Upper Peninsula Football Championship team.

He was awarded both an academic and football scholarship to Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas. While attending OU, he played football for two years before becoming editor of the university yearbook. He graduated in 1964 with his Bachelor of Arts degree. He continued his education at Kansas State Teachers College, now known as Emporia State University, where he earned his Master of Science degree. It was there that he met his future wife, Nancy Harris.

Doug and Nancy were married on December 16, 1966, at Wellsville United Methodist Church. Together, they built a life centered around family, education, faith, and service. To this union were born three children: Michelle, Steven, and Julie.

When Doug and Nancy moved to Osawatomie in 1970,, they agreed they would “stay until they found something better”. Over time, they realized that Osawatomie was the “something better.”

Doug devoted his life to education, spending a remarkable 55 years serving students and schools. From 1964 through 1970 he taught, coached, and was principal at Overbrook (Kansas) Elementary School and Brimfield (Illinois) Elementary School.

After moving to Osawatomie, Doug served as a Junior High science teacher from 1970 through 1971. From 1971 through 1973, he served as an administrative assistant in the Osawatomie School District. From 1973 through 1993, he served as principal of Osawatomie Junior High and Middle School. As Doug would say, “It took 20 years, but I finally graduated from 8th grade!”

Doug then found another passion in adult education. From 1993 through 1997, he served as coordinator of the adult education program at Osawatomie State Hospital. From 1997 through 2001, he was an adult education instructor at Johnson County Community College. He later served as supervisor of in-school suspension at Central Heights School District from 2001 through 2005.

Even after his formal retirement, Doug was not ready to leave education behind. Beginning in 2005 and continuing until recent years, he worked as a substitute teacher for the Osawatomie School District. Throughout his long career, Doug especially loved middle school students and treasured his years in adult education. In retirement, he discovered the joy of working with high school students.

Education was much more than a career for Doug—it was a calling. He touched the lives of generations of students, many of whom continued to remember him long after they left his classroom or school.

Doug was also deeply committed to his community and his faith. He was a longtime member of the Osawatomie United Methodist Church, where he taught high school and adult Sunday school classes, led the youth group, served as lay leader and lay representative to the Annual Conference, and for many years did the children’s sermons.

His service extended throughout the Osawatomie community. Doug was a member of the Rotary Club and served as its president. He served on the library board and helped facilitate the construction of the community’s new library. For many years he served on the Alumni Board at Ottawa University, which kept him connected to the university that he loved.

Outside of work and community service, Doug enjoyed a full and active life. Doug and his family traveled to Michigan every year and enjoyed several cruises together. He and Nancy traveled to all 50 states, 20 countries, and five continents. Doug loved reading, running, watching and playing sports, and following his children and grandchildren in all of their adventures and activities.

Above all else, Doug treasured his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, mentor, and friend. His kindness, dedication, humor, and commitment to others will be remembered by his family, countless former students, colleagues, and friends he made throughout his life.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Wellington Lionel and Ruth Harriet Tyrrell.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his daughter, Michelle and her husband Nate Unger; his son, Steven and his wife Amy Hainline-Tyrrell; and his daughter, Julie and her husband Michael Kliner; his brothers, Rodger Tyrrell and Don Tyrrell; five grandchildren, Derek Kirkland, Shea Tyrrell, Logan Unger, Rachel Kirkland, and Paige Unger; as well as numerous extended family members, former students, colleagues, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Doug’s life was one of service—to his family, his students, his church, his community, and the many people who were fortunate enough to know him. His legacy will live on through the generations of students he taught, the community he served, and the family he loved so dearly.

Visitation will be on Saturday, September 19th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 20th at 2:00 p.m. at Osawatomie United Methodist Church, 504 Pacific Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Doug’s name to the charity of your choice or to the Osawatomie USD #367 Rotary Student Needs Fund.