Tyler Michael Beckett, 16, died on Friday, January 6, 2017, at home, by taking his own life. He was born on January 20, 2000 in Martins Ferry, OH to Jennifer Michelle Beckett and Steven Michael Kirchner. Tyler was a junior at Marietta High School. He was a member of the cross country team, swim team and the Tiger Navy. Tyler was on student council, the model UN club and had just been accepted as a member of the National Honor Society. This past summer Tyler studied at Brown University and planned to study at the University of Chicago this coming summer. Tyler is survived by his mother, Jennifer Beckett, of Marietta; maternal grandparents Jeffrey and Julia Beckett, of Shadyside; father Steven Kirchner (Meagan) and their children Maddie and Joe; paternal grandparents, Bruce and Vicki Kirchner, all of Wheeling, aunt and uncle Lorrie and Matt Downes and their children Anna and Josh; many other aunts, uncles and cousins. Tyler is also survived by his friends, too many to list. He never met a stranger. Once you became a friend to Tyler you became family. Tyler was put on this earth to help people; by donating his organs we have guaranteed that he will continue to help people. Tyler had a deep and profound love for music, all types. We are asking that if you own a "band shirt", as Tyler called them, please feel free to wear it to the services in his honor. There will be a memorial service held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at the Marietta Chapel of Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home, with Pastor Steve Mahaffey officiating. Friends may call on Friday from 5:00 - 8:00 pm and for one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Donations may be made to the Tyler Beckett Memorial Fund, c/o Peoples Bank, 138 Putnam Street, Marietta, OH 45750 or any suicide prevention organization.
"Legacy. What is a legacy? It's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see." - Hamilton, the musical
