Thousands of friends and relatives have expressed shock and grief over the unexpected death of local teacher and musician Osaro Kyles, Sr.
Kyles, 37, was found unconscious on the floor of his home on Briarwood Drive on Sunday morning December 29, 2019.
A popular musician, Kyles was an accomplished drummer, who played with several local ensembles and churches. He was the percussionist for the Calvary Baptist Church in West Monroe.
A graduate of Wossman High School, Kyles received high school accolades on the Wossman football team with the nickname “The Big O.”
After graduating from college he returned to the area and coached at several area schools including serving as an assistant coach at Wossman High School. At the time of his death, he was a strength coach at Carroll High School.
He was a physical education teacher at Excellence Academy from 2013-2016.
He was married to LaWanda Ceasar Kyles. He is the father of three children.
Thousands of memorials have been posted from across the United States expressing grief.
Grambling State University coach, Broderick Fobbs said, he “was raised next door to this family. Such an honor to have known him and the family. Really good people.”
A co-worker, Karen Rogers said, “He was so young and had so much life to live!! He touched the lives of so many young ppl and my heart is so heavy right now because I just don’t understand. I’ll miss him being silly and cracking jokes at work.”
Another friend, Anthony Pajaro said, “You always were a gentle giant who was extremely talented, loved people, and an overall well-rounded individual. This is a huge loss to the Carroll, Wossman, and Monroe communities and, most of all, his family.”
Justin Denagall said, “Coach was one of the first co-hearts that took me under his wing at Wossman. His contagious spirit drew everyone to him.”
Eric Bowie praised him as a musician and friend, “Every time I saw him he was smiling. He was so much to so many.. a coach, a mentor, a husband, a father, a son, a Christian that has played the drums for church choirs since he was a child. ”
Funeral services are incomplete under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.
