Tyler Michael Dowling-Burnett

Tyler Michael Dowling Burnett, 14, of Manhattan, passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2011. He was born July 24, 1996, in Manhattan, the son of Angela Dowling Burnett and Tracie Burnett. Tyler was a student at Manhattan High School Class of 2014 and a graduate of the Eisenhower Middle School, where he participated in track, basketball and football. He also had a love for poetry and was an exceptional poet. Mission, Written March 9, 2011 by Tyler I'm on a mission. I'm not allowed to tell you. But this is the last time. I miss being home, I hope you're safe. You know they let me drive the tank? I'm a secret agent now. Don't tell anyone, or I will be done. I'll be in the ground. With a big old frown, I'll be home soon. I really do hope. Till then, this is my last note. Tyler had a life-long dream of playing either basketball or football at OU or KSU; with OU being his top pick. Tyler enjoyed attending KSU Football and Basketball games as well as all MHS Sporting events since he was a young boy. It was not uncommon for Tyler to be watching 3-5 games on TV at one time and could tell you the stats of any game and player on the drop of second or what the next play would be or should be. That was when he was not playing Xbox! Tyler was always sure to study the plays before each of his own games as well as researched his opponents so he could be on 'Top of the Game'. He commonly referred to himself as the 'Beast'. We knew it was going to be a good ride at a game when he said 'Momma, Dad I'm gonna be in the 'Beast Mode!' Tyler began his sports career in first grade, when he did 'good' or was proud of himself he would look back at his dad and give him a big 'thumbs up'. He did this all the way up until his last basketball game this year. He always cheered his teammates on as well. He loved to clap during games, while playing when one of teammates did well. He was always compassionate of his fellow teammates, family and friends. Tyler's dream was to play under the 'Friday Night Lights' at Bishop Stadium, we must admit it was our dream too. Even though he won't be their physically he will be with his teammates spiritually under the 'Friday Night Lights' in 'Beast Mode'. Recently he had shared with his parents he had interest in joining a branch of the United States ARMY so he could make sure he was able to get his College Degree, have a steady income, and make a good respectful man of himself. Tyler, Mission Accomplished you were already a good young man. Tyler had the ability to light the room with laughter, love, hope, and faith just by his mere presence. His smile and his big brown eyes attracted all to him. It helped that he was always doing a little goofy dance move! He will be so deeply missed by not just his family, but many, many others. As his poem said he was on a 'Mission'. Each moment of his life he was on a mission. We know his mission will live on strong as we now have Tyler as our guardian Angel in the heavens above. Tyler, Mission Accomplished! Tyler, you are now a 'Boomer Sooner', 'Wildcat', and a 'Secret Agent' all at the same time. Drive that Tank, baby, run those plays, deliver those shots, make those touch downs. Don't forget to get a few safeties too! You always said those were your favorite. You did it again Ty Ty, Mission Accomplished! Tyler is survived by his parents, Angie and Tracie, of the home; one sister, Mary; one brother, Tanner; his grandparents, Richard and Debbie Dowling, all of Manhattan, three uncles; Brian Dowling and his wife Christy of Manhattan and their 5 children Austin, Taylor, Brianna, Isabella, and Ady; Travis Dowling of Missouri; Willie Burnett and his wife Charlene of Minnesota, and their three children Fia, Nika, and Thalia as well as several other relatives, including his favorite cousin Tory Powell of Kansas City. And his unbelievable amount of friends. Although he had many friends, he had three best friends since Kindergarten that he adored: Joe Hall, Darian Taylor, Henry Bieber, and Jaylen King was also his long time best friend. The memories these boys made will live forever. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Alberta Louise Burnett and Willie Lee Robinson. The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m., Sunday, April 17, 2011 at the Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, April 18, 2011 at the funeral home, with Rev. Tracy DeWitt, Sr. officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery. A memorial fund in Tyler's Name has been established at the Kansas State Bank, 1010 Westloop, Manhattan, KS 66502.