Herman Milton Tyson was born on March 18, 1930 in Woodland Park, MI to the union of Antoine Prosper Plaut of Issoire, France and Lola Tyson of Bessemer, Alabama. He was one of ten children; five brothers and four sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents, Antoine and Lola, five brothers; Victor (Eddie), Alexander, Antoine (Billy), James and Franklin; three sisters, Woodland, Ina and Josephine.

As a young boy Herman had a paper route and delivered the Chicago Tribune and Pittsburg Courier to residents in Woodland Park. He also worked for the Forestry, planting pine trees. He attended school in Woodland Park through the eighth grade and graduated from Walkerville High School in 1946. After high school he attended Wilberforce University, which was both a State and Church school. He was a member of the male chorus where he sang bass. However, when Leontyne Price came into the music room to listen to him sing; she promptly informed the director "he is not a bass, he is a baritone." During his tenure at Wilberforce, the school split. He graduated from the Church School receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts – Economics. Herman was one of four students, in his graduating class, admitted to membership in the American Academy of Political and Social Sciences.

While attending Wilberforce University, Herman joined the ROTC, where he earned the rank of Second Lieutenant. The Korean War broke out in June of 1950. He was called into active duty on April 9, 1951 and commissioned to an army base in Japan. Shortly after, he was stationed in Korea. He was honorably discharged from active duty on March 17, 1953, but remained in the Army reserves. While in the reserves, Herman lived in Chicago and in July, 1953, opened a neighborhood grocery store, which he operated for ten years. Tyson's Grocery, located at 66 East 71st Street, was open 7 days a week, and offered fine foods at reasonable prices with free delivery. He received an honorable discharge from the United States Army Reserves on December 15, 1961.

In 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson introduced the War on Poverty Legislation. As a result of participating in this initiative, Herman was able to attend Roosevelt University, which used the YMCA as its dormitory. While enrolled he was employed as a Counselor Aide for disadvantaged youth. He received the Degree of Master of Arts in Counseling in 1966. After receiving his degree, he began employment with the Illinois Department of Employment Security where he retired after 30 years of dedicated service. Herman did not own a home in Chicago but continued to enjoy the relaxed, dormitory, pay one bill, lifestyle of the YMCA, where he lived most of his adult life. He does however own a home in Woodland Park, known as "the Hotel", which thanks to Uncle Herman, has become the gathering place for family and friends. Herman was a true philanthropist and cared more about helping others than gaining material wealth.

Herman and his sister, Josephine, frequently attended symphony concerts. Leontyne Price, who also attended Wilberforce University, was one of their favorite performers. Herman was an avid reader, enjoyed going to the movie theater and spent a lot of time traveling. He always returned home for Thanksgiving and was a regular at family reunions and many graduations. Although he never married or had children of his own, Herman was a revered uncle to each of his nieces and nephews. They loved him immeasurably and the void he leaves is unfillable.

Throughout his 86 years, Herman was seldom sick. However, in November of 2016 he started showing symptoms of Cardiac Amyloidosis. He was hospitalized in Chicago in January of 2017 where symptoms of this incurable disease were confirmed. In February, it was decided that Herman be relocated to a rehab facility in Grand Rapids, MI, so his nephew, Vernon, could keep a closer eye on him. In March, Herman was brought to Prince Street where his sister, Virginia, could help with his care. A major blessing for our family during this time was having Antoine, Herman's great nephew, assist as his caretaker. He tirelessly bathed, fed, clothed, lifted, dispensed meds and accompanied his uncle during ambulatory transport. Antoine was still compassionately caring for him even until Herman's last breath. He peacefully passed away at Meijer Heart Center at 7:19 p.m. on March 19 surrounded by family.

Herman leaves to cherish his memory, a loving sister and sister-in-law, Virginia Proctor of Grand Rapids and Lottie (Lorraine) Tyson of Woodland Park. He will be remembered with undying love and respect by a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Friday, May 26, 2017 1:00 PM

White Cloud Chapel 1109 E Court Street White Cloud, Michigan 49349

Friday, May 26, 2017 1:00 PM

White Cloud Chapel 1109 E Court Street White Cloud, Michigan 49349