Tyler James Dilyard was the second son born March 11, 1994, to Jeff James Dilyard. He and his twin brother Trent were born in Aliso Viejo, Calif. 

Nicknamed the “Gruesome Twosome”, they were more than siblings, they were best friends, and basketball teammates. They grew up in Phoenix, Ariz., until moving to Lake Charles, to be closer to family. It was here he fell in love with “Sportsman’s Paradise”, embracing the way of life with his brother and father, even adopting the polite southern gentleman mannerisms.

He and Cassandra met through sheer confusion, as she had met Trent first, not knowing he was an identical twin. After accidentally accepting an apology meant for Trent, he and Cassandra shared a few laughs. It was not too long before they were smitten with one another, and he fell right into the role of a father to her daughter Avery Grace. In 2018 they exchanged vows, later welcoming a son, Ayden James. He led by example, raising his children to be polite and respectful. 

Above all he was a family man, from his daily talks with his father and brother, to watching his son sleep peacefully through the baby monitor, saying often how much he loved them. His day was complete anytime he could put a smile on their faces, the “dad-o-saurus” antics always brought side splitting laughter to Avery or sheer silliness to make his baby boy smile and giggle. 

He believed that life was meant to be experienced and no matter what don’t pass up a chance for adventure. Whether packing up the family for a camping trip or running away to the beaches of Galveston, he was about making memories. No matter the temperature, weather, or lack of ducks flying, he said there was nothing more serene than watching the sunrise over the marsh.

He was welcomed into Heaven, April 20, 2023, by his grandfathers, Rex Dilyard and John Pousson; an uncle, Jim Guptill.

Those left to cherish his memory: his wife, Cassandra Dilyard; children, Avery Grace and Ayden James; father, Jeff Dilyard and Angela Foreman; mother, Michelle Pousson; brothers, Trent Dilyard and Carter Nell; grandparents, Norma and Billy Levy, Marilyn Dilyard; uncles Craig (Bobbye) Pousson, Scott (Kelli) Dilyard; Mark Dilyard, Everett Pousson; aunts, Judy Dilyard and Kathy Dilyard; nephew, Chance Dilyard; in-laws, Louis and Rachelle Arabie.

Celebration of life services will be held Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 6 p.m. in chapel of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 26, 2023, beginning 2 p.m. to time of service.