Tyler James Griffin

Tyler James Griffin, 30, of Frederick, Maryland, passed away in his hometown on July 3, 2023, following a short yet courageous medical battle.

Tyler was born on July 9, 1992 to loving parents Steven Griffin and Ronni Putman Bowman. Although his autism diagnosis made it difficult for him to verbally communicate beyond simple phrases, his ever-gentle nature and innocent, sweet soul touched the lives of everyone who knew him. He attended the FCPS Challenges Program throughout his youth. As an adult, he spent his days working with the caring staff of the Scott Key Center. Tyler loved to spend his free time watching his favorite videos, such as “Barney and Friends,” “Lamb Chop’s Play-Along,” “The Wiggles,” and “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” An artist who was rarely seen without paper and markers in hand, he enjoyed writing out the end credits to the videos he watched and in some instances had even memorized them in multiple languages. He also enjoyed visiting Disney World in Orlando, Florida; his favorite ride was “It’s a Small World.”

In addition to his parents Steve and Ronni, he is survived by his stepmom Ann Talbert Griffin, stepdad Bradd Bowman, sister Bailey Griffin and fiancé Jacob Costlow, brother Josh Griffin, grandparents Ronnie and Carol Putman, grandparents George and Jan Griffin, aunt Pamela Griffin (uncle Dave Bonner & cousin Wyatt), uncles Dustin Putman and Patrick Jennings, stepbrother Jakob Barkdoll and wife Cheyanne (Jaxson & Carter), stepbrother Ben Bowman, stepsister Emma Bowman, and many close cousins, extended family, and family friends. Tyler will be greatly missed by all.

Tyler is preceded in death by his great-grandmother Thelma Poole, great-grandparents Rhudel and Helen Putman, great-grandparents Cecil and Dorothy Griffin, great-grandparents Clayton and Myrtle Johnson, uncle Rhudel “Rudy” Putman II, and cousin Blake Bonner.

The family would like to thank the ICU staff at Frederick Health Hospital for their extraordinary care for Tyler during his illness.

Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tyler’s name to the Organization for Autism Research (OAR).