Kevin William Syler, age 70, passed away peacefully from this life to join the Lord on May 1, 2026, with his family by his side.
Kevin was born on September 6, 1955, to Charles Syler and Joan Gaines of Cowan, Tennessee. He spent the next 65 years in Cowan before building his dream home in Farris Chapel.
On February 2, 1973, Kevin married Kathy Judge. Later that year, in August, their little family was made complete with the arrival of their baby girl, Tricia.
Kevin dedicated over 40 years of service to law enforcement. Outside of his traditional vocation, Kevin was known for his remarkable talents as a pianist and organist. He discovered music at an early age, beginning piano lessons at seven. By ten, he had his first Hammond organ and started organ lessons. At thirteen, Kevin became the church organist for Cowan First Baptist Church. Just a year later, he joined his first band, and by fifteen, he was already playing at local weddings. Throughout his life, Kevin played with numerous bands and talented musicians for many special occasions, all of which he deeply cherished.
Throughout his lifetime Kevin was a member of several churches, the last two and most notable being the Winchester and Cowan Cumberland Presbyterian Churches. A lifelong believer, Kevin felt a calling to use his musical gifts to serve God. Music was his solace and his therapy, and he truly enjoyed sharing that gift with others.
Kevin was an anchor for his family. While he wore many hats, his favorites were those of son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, great-grandfather, and cousin. He was the proud “Dadah” to triplets Anna, Ivey, and Luke and never missed an opportunity to spend time with them or celebrate their achievements. Kevin loved being at a ball field and sitting courtside at a basketball game. Whether it was refereeing, coaching, or cheering on Tricia, Tana, the triplets, or the great-grands, he never missed a game.
Kevin had an adventurous spirit. He enjoyed traveling and never passed up an opportunity for a good road trip with Kathy. He was scuba certified and made many trips south to explore the ocean. Kevin shared this passion for diving by using his equipment to teach all the kids in the pool. In his younger days, Kevin absolutely loved riding his Harley, though he never lost his great appreciation for motorcycles, fast cars, or Mini Coopers.
Strong-willed and stubborn at times, Kevin also had an enormous and loyal heart. His infectious smile and friendly nature meant he never met a stranger. Like his Daddy, he was a doer and fixer who often enjoyed building and tinkering.
Despite his long fight against cancer, Kevin remained brave and resilient, thankful to God for every small victory and for the ability to use his hands and fingers to play the keys he loved.
Kevin was preceded in joining the Lord by this mother and father, Joan and Charles Syler, and his mother-in-law, Susie Judge. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Kathy, who lovingly served as his caregiver until his final breath. Also left to cherish his memory is their daughter, Tricia Limbaugh and son-in-law, John. He will also be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Anna (Keaton) Limbaugh, Ivey Limbaugh, and Luke and Courtney Limbaugh; great-grandchildren, Katie, Bentley, and Silas Limbaugh; father-in-law, Ronald Judge, as well as nieces, nephew, cousins, great-nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog Marley.
A celebration of life will be held at Winchester Cumberland Presbyterian Church with Moore-Cortner Funeral Home handling the funeral services. Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for visitation on Sunday, May, 3rd, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. The memorial service honoring Kevin, officiated by Rev. Dr. Micheal Clark, will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Grit Award-In Honor of Kevin Syler Scholarship. You can drop donations off at the Oldham Theatre, First Vision Bank – Kevin Syler Scholarship,or donate directly online at https://givebutter.com/grit-award-in-honor-of-kevin-syler-b2bkiv
Moore-Cortner Funeral Home 300 1st Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)967-2222
