Tyler Overstreet laid to rest

Twenty-two years, one month, a few hours and minutes. That's the measure of the time on Earth for Lance Cpl. Tyler Ray Overstreet, United States Marine Corps, Gallatin's second casualty in the war in Iraq.

There was no measure of the sadness at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville on Thursday for hundreds of mourners who gathered to remember the proud Marine as he was laid to rest with a full military funeral service and honors.

Lance Cpl. Overstreet died in Fallujah Oct. 23, when a bomb struck an armored truck he was riding in.

During the funeral, military officials presented Lance Cpl. Overstreet's mother, Jana Mertens, and his father, Wendell Overstreet, the Purple Heart, a combat decoration awarded to members of the armed forces who are wounded or killed in action.

Lance Cpl. Overstreet, a 2004 Gallatin High School graduate, enlisted in the Marines 16 months ago and was deployed to Iraq on Sept. 25. His girlfriend, Misty McQuery, gave birth to their son, Ashton Allen, on Sept. 27.

"He was so proud of being a daddy and for making me a grandpa. He was saving money for furniture," said his father, as he recalled the last conversation he had with his son a week before his death.

Overstreet said that his son told him he missed his family and "that he had already seen combat and that it was bad." He added that his son had been baptized three months before leaving for Iraq. "Knowing that he found his Lord comforts me. I'm at peace with that and I'll see him again," said Overstreet.

During the funeral service, pastor Gerald Prior reminded mourners that the young Marine was a proud American and family man. "He had three goals for his life: to graduate from high school, to be a Marine and to become a father. He accomplished what he set out to do."

Those who knew Lance Cpl. Overstreet described him as a prankster who loved golf, motocross racing, and spending time with his family and friends.

"He taught me a lot. I'll miss him," said his stepbrother Cody Mertens.

The family has established a memorial fund benefiting Ashton Allen Overstreet, the son of Lance Cpl. Overstreet. Donations can be made at First Tennessee Bank in Gallatin.

From the Tennessean

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