RALEIGH — Brent Tyler Wilke, 30, departed this earth on Jan. 11, 2021 in Raleigh.
He was born Feb. 13, 1990, and raised in Augusta County, Va., graduating from Wilson Memorial High School in 2008. He then completed training in auto mechanics and engine building at NASCAR Technical Institute in North Carolina.
Despite a father having served in the Army National Guard, a grandfather in the Army and several uncles in the Navy and Air Force, Tyler became the first in the family to join the Marines in 2010. He served proudly for five years, with deployments to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom and Kuwait during Operation Inherent Resolve. He ended his enlistment with the rank of sergeant.
Tyler spent most of his post-military career as a school bus mechanic with Augusta County schools and Johnston County, N.C., schools. He enjoyed tinkering with, and “improving,” old vehicles and being outdoors. His favorite holiday was deer season, which he enjoyed spending with family and friends, competing for the best rack.
He is survived by his father, Brendan “Brent” Wilke and wife Debbie; mother, Lori Callison and husband Clyde; brother, Luke Callison; step-brothers Derrick Fox, Brandon Fox, and Clint Callison; step-sister, Lindsay Callison; grandparents, Richard and Janet Rogers, and Kate and Mike Wilke; as well as nieces and a nephew; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; the best group of friends a man could ask for, his Marine Corps brothers and sisters; the love of his life, Devan Francisco; and his best friend, Hank, his Australian shepherd.
Always quick with a joke or a comic expression, Tyler brought laughter and happiness to everyone, wherever he went. His kindness drew people near him. In honor of his zest for life, there will be a celebration of his life, to be announced at a later date. Those who were privileged to know Tyler were blessed beyond measure. A good man is never forgotten, living on in our hearts and memories. He shined his light on us for 30 years, and those he leaves behind will continue to pass it on.
