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Tyler Wayne Dukes, age 37, of Madison, Indiana, and the son of Mary Lou Bell Graves (Robert) and William B. Dukes, was born on June 8, 1988, in Madison. He graduated from Canyon State Academy in Queens Creek, Arizona and also attended culinary classes. His love of cooking led him to aspire to become a chef one day. Tyler loved to collect Pokemon cards and Nike shoes, and was an avid fan of Indiana University basketball and the Indianapolis Colts. He enjoyed playing Fortnite, where he was recently globally ranked-placing among the top 44,000 players in the entire world. Tyler would give the shirt off of his back to anyone in need. He was a fiercely protective brother who treasured time with his nieces and nephews. Above all else, he cherished every moment with his daughters, who were truly his whole world. Tyler passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 15, 2026 in Ripley County, Indiana from a tragic car accident.
His life will be cherished by his parents, Mary Lou and Robert Graves of Madison, and William Dukes of North Vernon; his significant other: Kimberly Bye of Madison; his daughters: Natalee Dukes, Isabella Bye, Raelyn Bye, and Skyla Bye; his brother: Rack Graves and his wife, Nikki of Madison; his sisters: Jesslyn Whitham and her husband, Shawn of Madison, Savannah Dukes, and Jayden Dukes of Madison. and his nieces and nephews: Layla Whitham, Brookelynn Graves, Waylon Graves, Braelin Graves, and Kaysen Graves. He was preceded in death by his angel daughter, Emmalou Marie Dukes.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 PM Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Lytle Welty Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Vail Chapel, 117 Holt Drive, Madison, with interment to follow at Fairmount Cemetery in Madison. Friends and family may visit from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home on Wednesday.