Christopher Tyler Funk, age 26, of Independence, VA passed away at the Roanoke Memorial Hospital on Friday, November 7, 2025.  He was born in Galax, Virginia on Aug.15 1999, to Crystal Dawn Leonard and Tony Curtis Funk.  While Tyler endured many physical hardships during his life, he lived a full life filled with "big love."  He loved everybody and found great joy in being with his family and friends.  He especially loved being with his nieces and nephews.  He was known as the "fununcle," who shared a special bond with his nieces and nephews.  Tyler never found a reason to leave home.  He loved being at home with his parents surrounded by the environment that he needed to live a full and prosperous life.  He enjoyed being outdoors and often took great solace being near a peaceful stream of water.  He had an unquenchable passion for fishing.  Tyler had no judgment for anybody, rather he chose to accept people for who they were.  He displayed a unique talent for seeking out people who needed a friend and was always willing to offer the hand of friendship.  He was a most generous and giving person who was always willing to help anyone in need.  In his adult years, he excelled at his work at the sawmill as a lumber grader.  While many might view this as hard and intense work, Tyler found great satisfaction and reward in his work at the sawmill.  He was talented self-taught mechanic who delighted in working with his Ford Mustang.  Tyler's life has left an enduring legacy of compassion, generosity, dedication.  While his family and friends are broken hearted at his passing, they rejoice in knowing that he has finally received the healing for which he had sought for so long.  They are thankful for Tyler's life that was lived before them in such a meaningful way.

He is survived by his parents, Tony Curtis Funk and Crystal Dawn Leonard of the home; one brother, C.J. and Becky Funk of Independence; one sister, Ashleigh and Denny Landry of Independence; special nieces and nephews, Logan and McKenzie Funk, Lane Trimble and Luke Trimble; maternal grandparents, Delmar and Ethel Leonard of Fries, VA; paternal grandparents, Curtis and Sue Funk of Fries, VA; aunt Becky Funk of Independence; Uncle, Danny and Marlene Leonard of Carroll County; special friends, Shakira Laney of Tazwell, VA and Danny Trimble of Fries.

Memorial services will be conducted on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gloria Rhudy officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family c/o Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home PO Box 306 Independence, VA 24348.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence is serving the Funk family,