William Kyler

William A. “Bill” Kyler, 76, of New Philadelphia an accomplished and well-respected attorney, community leader, family man, and dear friend, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family following a brief bout with cancer on Wednesday, August 27, 2014.

Born in Jeromesville, Ohio on June 25, 1938, he is the son of Millicent (Alexander) Kyler and the late William James Kyler.

Bill graduated with the distinction of Valedictorian from Jeromesville High School. He continued his formal education at Ohio Wesleyan University, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1960, and from Duke University with a Bachelor of Law degree in 1964. While at Duke University, Bill served as assistant editor of Current Thought on Peace and War, and as a research assistant for the World Rule of Law Center. He also was a recipient of the Africa/Asia Public Service Fellowship from 1962 to 1963 which resulted in his position as a District Officer in the British Colonial Service in the Fiji Islands. There, he met his lifelong companion and soul mate, the former Teuila Wendt. On June 22, 2013, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

His most significant titles were husband, father, and grandfather; and his first priority was to his family. He and Teuila were blessed with six children and eight grandchildren. In his free time, Bill greatly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, golfing, fishing, traveling, and reading.

Professionally, Bill’s law career began as an associate with Arter & Hadden in Cleveland, Ohio. Shortly after his career began, he and Teuila chose to relocate to New Philadelphia, a community that reflected the values which they held dear.

A well-versed lawyer in general civil litigation, health law, corporate law, and estate planning, he joined Smith, Renner, Hanhart, Miller and Kyler as an associate in 1967, and became a principal in 1969.

Bill’s experience included litigating disputes over the interpretation and enforcement of contracts, personal injury claims, defense of medical malpractice claims, and general business litigation. He tried both jury and non-jury cases at the state and federal trial level, and also had extensive appellate level experience. In addition, he had experience in alternative dispute resolution.

The title of Ohio Super Lawyers was bestowed upon him and recently his law firm, Kyler, Pringle, Lundholm & Durmann, LPA, received a Tier 1 rating and was among the top law firms named by US News & World Report “Best Law Firms” in 2014.

He was a member of the Tuscarawas County Bar Association (past president), Ohio State Bar Association (Health Law Committee), American Arbitration Association (Arbitrator), and American Health Lawyers Association. He was also a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

Locally, Bill loved serving his community in a variety of roles. He was past president of the Board of Directors, and sat on the Board of Trustees of the Tuscarawas County YMCA; past president and recipient of the Distinguished Service Award of the New Philadelphia Jaycees; past president and member of the Board of Trustees of the United Way of Tuscarawas County; former member of the Board of Directors of Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce; past president and former member of the Board of Trustees of the Tuscarawas County University Foundation; past president and former member of the New Philadelphia School Board; member of the Board of Trustees of Union Hospital for 30 years; and a member of the New Philadelphia Elks B.P.O.E. #510.

Bill’s family includes his wife, Teuila of New Philadelphia; his mother, Millicent (Alexander) Kyler of Dover and formerly of Jeromesville; his children, James (Jami) Kyler of Canton, John Kyler of Washington, D.C., Laura (Aaron) Fender of Baltic, Tanya Kyler of New Philadelphia, David (Stephanie) Kyler of New Philadelphia, Richard (fiancé, Kim) Kyler of Uhrichsville; his eight grandchildren, Sloan, Addison, Zoey, Hannah, Emily, Peyton, Benjamin, and Samuel; his siblings, the late Dr. Richard Kyler, the late David Kyler, Robert (Ingrid) Kyler of Oklahoma; his sister-in-law, Mary Kay Kyler of Columbus; and a large extended family that encompasses the globe.

A memorial celebration led by Rick Powell will be held in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover, 5600 North Wooster Ave., Dover, on Saturday beginning at 3 p.m. Following the service, all are invited to share in food and fellowship with Bill’s family.

Memorial contributions in Bill’s memory may be directed to either Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or the Tuscarawas County YMCA, Annual Campaign 600 Monroe Street, Dover, Ohio 44622.