Tyler Caiden Steward

Tyler Caiden Steward, 20, of Kingsport, Tennessee.

Tyler, our beloved nephew and cousin, passed away unexpectedly following what was initially reported as a motor vehicle accident. The circumstances surrounding his passing remain under review. Though his life was far too short, the depth of his love, resilience, and spirit will remain with all who knew him for a lifetime.

Born on January 3, 2006, Tyler entered this world already wrapped in love. From the beginning, he had a gentle heart and an old soul. He was the kind of child who felt things deeply, protective of the people he loved, loyal to his friends, and strong in ways that cannot always be seen from the outside.

Tyler’s childhood was marked by both love and loss. At a young age, he endured the heartbreaking loss of both of his beloved mamaws. Not long after, he faced the devastating loss of his mother. These were losses that no child should have to carry. Yet Tyler carried them quietly, holding tightly to the memories and love they poured into him. Though grief touched his life early, it never stole his ability to love. In many ways, those losses shaped his compassion, his strength, and the depth of his heart.

As Isaiah 57:1-2 says, “Good people pass away; the Godly often die before their time but no one seems to understand that God is protecting them of evil to come“

Through every hardship, Tyler continued forward. He had dreams. He had plans. He had a future he was building step by step. He loved working on his trucks, listening to country music, rap being one of his favorite genres. He enjoyed spending free time with friends and family, especially at the tire shop, which was a second home for Tyler.

He was a sore winner in most games, UNO specifically. Losing was not in his language. Tyler had many friends, but there was one who was a true best friend to Tyler, or “TyTy” as Cashlynn would call him. Tyler shared a special bond with her, and he loved her as if she were his own child. Her heart will forever hold onto the memory of Tyler. Their days were filled with love, laughter, and memories that will be forever cherished.

He had a smile that could light up a room and a laugh that those closest to him will never forget. If you were part of Tyler’s circle, you were protected fiercely and loved fully. He was bold, unfiltered, and never afraid to make people smile. His humor for any situation was part of his gift. Even after every hardship he would face, he could still crack a joke and make others laugh.

One of his favorite sayings was, “Life is what you make it,” and he truly believed that. No matter what he had faced, he tried to keep moving forward in his own way. If you knew Tyler well, and how truly unfiltered he was, you probably heard one of his colorful expressions “lower than your grannies nipples” that would leave everyone laughing and shaking their heads.

Tyler’s sudden passing has left an ache that words cannot adequately express. Though we may not understand God's plan, we are encouraged to trust in his wisdom, sovereignty, and perfect timing, even when paths seem difficult or confusing. We hold onto the scripture; Romans 8:28–“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”

As Scripture reminds us: “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 5:8
And we cling to the promise of Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

While our hearts are broken, we trust that Tyler is now free from pain and held in eternal peace. The same God who walked with him through his losses here has now welcomed him home. Tyler’s life, though only 20 years, was meaningful. His story did not end, it simply moved from this earthly chapter into eternity. Life is not measured just in years, but in the people we touch. Tyler touched a lot of people, who will carry his name through the years they live. His life was a light that will continue to shine over every dark place.

Tyler is survived by his loving papaws, Rickey Bowen and Pat Penley "Peewee"; father, James Steward; aunts and uncles, Melissa Meunier (Shaun), Tammy Bowen (Curtis Harrison), and Jessica Caitlin Bowen (Travis Bishop); cousins; Cody Austin Ketron and Cody’s son and daughter (Jaxson Scott and Avery Renee), Emily Alexis Ketron, (Austin Stone), and Railyn Belle Ketron; his beloved fur babies Rusty and Belle; and devoted friends and extended family who will forever cherish his memory.

Tyler was preceded in death by his loving mamaws, Susie Darlene Bowen and Becky Penley; his mother, Jennifer Lynn Bowen; his uncle, Tommy Fleenor; and his beloved fur baby, Diesel. 

A visitation to honor and celebrate Tyler’s life will be held at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home in Kingsport, TN on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 5-7pm. A service will take place at 7pm. 

A Graveside Service will be held at Logan’s Chapel, Fall Branch, TN on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 3:00pm. Anyone who would like to join in the procession on Sunday, March 1st, 2026 will need to meet at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home at 2:00pm.

Though we wish for more time, we are grateful for the time we were given. Tyler will forever be loved, forever missed, and forever remembered.

(Long Live Tyler) LLT