Philip Kyle Degler

On Saturday, June 15, 2024, the communities of Elwood and Tipton mourned the loss of Philip Kyle Degler, aged 40, in a tragic traffic accident in Tipton County. He was born on May 11, 1984, in Tipton. Kyle was a previous resident of Sharpsville and Greensburg before his untimely passing. 

Known affectionately as Kyle to his friends and colleagues (and Mr. Degler to his fortunate students), he dedicated the last six years of his life to educating young minds at Tipton Middle School, where he also served as the football coach. Additionally, he lent his voice talents as the public address announcer for the Tipton High School Lady Devils Basketball Team.

Kyle was an alumnus of Tri-Central High School from the Class of 2002, where he excelled both on the football field and as Senior Class President. Continuing his academic journey at Indiana University-Kokomo, Kyle graduated in 2006. In his leisure time, he found joy in rooting for the Colts during football season and cheering on IU Basketball. Kyle shared memorable moments attending 311 Concerts with Jimmy and Mary and embraced recreational activities like golf and playing XBox. Kyle’s absolute favorite activity was spending time with his children; they were the center of his life. 

Left to cherish Kyle's memory are his parents Marita and Joe Stull of Elwood, Indiana, his father Carl Degler of Cape Coral, Florida; his three adored children: Elizabeth Grace Degler (age 11), Elyse Jane Degler (age 6), and Easton Wayne Degler (age 5); sisters Kaitlyn and Travis Kramer of Frankfort and Jessica Degler; Jessica's fiancé John Magallanes of Noblesville; nieces and nephew Caralinne (age 10), Finnleigh (age 8), and Waylon Kramer (age 7). His memory is further honored by his maternal grandparents Max & Vera Scott of Kokomo and paternal grandparents Bill & Cherry Degler of Kokomo, Indiana. He is also survived by the mother of his children Sarah Degler; Sarah’s parents Bob & Suzie Studler of Shelbyville; and her brother Sam Studler and wife Sydney and their children Marshall and Mosely. 

A memorial service to celebrate Kyle's life will take place on Thursday, June 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the Tipton School auditorium under the guidance of Rev. Mandie Gould Willoughby. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 2:00 - 7:00 p.m on Thursday at the auditorium. Attendees are kindly requested to access the complex from drive 4 off of Park Road to park in back and use door G next to the auditorium for entry during the visitation or service period. 

Memorial denotations to honor Kyle should be made to the Degler Kids College Memorial Fund % First Farmers Bank & Trust, 825 W. Jefferson Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072. Condolences for Kyle’s family may be left on his obituary page at Young-Nichols Funeral Home, www.young-nichols.com.