Robert Larry Lytle

Robert “Larry” Lytle was born on March 22, 1935, in a dirt floor sod house, delivered by his dad, near Vetel, SD. In 1936 the family (parents Joe and Vera, half-brother Jack
Smith, sisters Mary Ann (Wilson), Ony (Hoffman), Lyla (Trask), Lu (Wooley) and brothers Joe and Larry) moved to a homestead north of Wasta, SD. Larry’s unparalleled
work ethic was undoubtedly born of the tough times his family endured.

Larry attended grade school in Wasta and high school in Wall and also at Chadron Prep
in Chadron, NE. He was proud to be an All-State basketball player on the Chadron Prep
team that won the State Championship in 1952. He attended Chadron State College
graduating in 1956 with both Academic and All-Conference basketball honors. In 1984
he was inducted into CSC’S Athletic Hall of Fame. Larry was a devoted CSC Alumni. In
1995 he and brother Joe were honored to receive the CSC Distinguished Service Award. In 2010 Larry was honored with the naming of a lecture room, the “Lytle Family
Lecture Hall.”

Larry taught and coached in Hot Springs, SD until he was drafted into the Army in 1958.
After his honorable discharge he attended Dental School at the University of Nebraska
College of Dentistry. Following graduation in 1964, Larry joined brother Joe in his dental
practice in Rapid City and went on to practice dentistry for 35 years. In 1984 Larry was
joined in practice by his daughter, Dr. Kelly Lytle.

Larry was a perpetual student and a pioneer in his profession, always first to learn,
share and offer whatever was leading edge at the time. In 1979 he added a PhD in
Nutrition behind his DDS. Larry was a passionate and charismatic communicator and
lectured world-wide on holistic, TMJ and laser dentistry, nutrition, lifestyle and energy
medicine.

Larry was not only a visionary “change agent” he was a selfless civil servant. For 50 years he rolled up his sleeves and did the work that left lasting legacies. He served on
the City Council, made peace during AIM, brought life to the Civic Center and the BH
Stock Show, developed city wide youth sports programs, raised funds for the YMCA,
spearheaded Story book island projects, and loved being an international diplomat for
Rotary, opening his home to host foreign visitors.

Larry is survived by his current wife, Freddie Eason, daughters Kim Ryan of Sheridan,
WY, and Kelly Lytle of Sturgis, SD, former wife, Norma Lytle of Rapid City, SD, grandchildren Rebecca Newman (Andrew), Rachel Ryan, Riley Ryan (Hailey), Rickie
Ryan, Robbi Ryan, Eli Lord, Levi Lord, Lynsey Ward (Connor), and Brennan Lytle, and great-grandchildren Charli Newman, Rylan Newman, Walker Ryan, Briggs Ryan, and
Wynn Ryan. Larry had a special place in his heart for his many nieces and nephews
and their respective children, never failing to support and celebrate all of their
milestones, no matter the distance. Larry was preceded in death by all six of his
siblings, and his son, Kip Lytle.

For Larry, LOVE was a verb, and sharing the LIGHT (Light is God’s Highest Truth) was
truly his life’s work. All are welcome to & Celebrate His Life on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 2-5pm at The Lytle Ranch, 22781 Crooked Creek Rd, Wall, SD, followed by a gathering at the Wasta Bar.

Online condolences may be written at https://www.kanefuneral.com/. Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.