The Donald R. Tyree Foundation was created in honor of a man who believed deeply in service, hard work, and the power of opportunity.

Donald R. Tyree began life in a holler deep in the mountains of Kentucky as the thirteenth son of a coal miner. After his father passed away when Don was still a baby, his mother made the difficult decision to head north with several of her children, settling in Ohio in search of greater opportunity. That early experience shaped Don’s understanding of sacrifice, resilience, and the importance of doing whatever it takes to move forward.

After leaving school following the 10th grade, Don served his country for two years in the United States Army. He then went on to spend 35 years working at the Whirlpool factory in Clyde, Ohio. Through long hours and countless overtime shifts, he worked tirelessly to provide for his family and build a stable life through determination and grit. 

While his own choices were shaped by circumstance, Don was clear about what he wanted for his children: more options, broader horizons, and a better life than the one he had known. He believed education was the key to that future, a belief rooted in the words of his mother, who often said, “Education is the only thing that can’t be taken from you in this life.”

After a long, hard-fought battle with cancer, Don was called home in 2024. The Donald R. Tyree Foundation was established in 2025 in his memory to honor his life, carry forward his values, and turn loss into lasting purpose. Through education-focused support, the Foundation is committed to creating access, strengthening communities, and supporting the next generation—ensuring that Don’s legacy lives on through opportunity and hope.