George Lytle

1919 - 2018

LYTLE, George Towle Nov. 27, 1919 March 1, 2018 Was born on November 27, 1919 in Piqua, Ohio and moved to Dayton in 1926. He graduated from Oakwood High School in 1937 and Kenyon College in 1941, where he was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. During WW II George served in the Army Air Forces as a Lieutenant and completed his tour of duty at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Following the end of the war, he continued to work for the United States Air Force at the base as a civilian employee until retiring after 30 years. Upon leaving government service in 1976, George became a full-time volunteer at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Oakwood where he had been a member since 1926. A devout Christian, his service to St. Paul's continued until he stepped aside at the age of 97. George volunteered seven days a week and became a source of information for anyone looking for history of the church or its parishioners. He was known affectionately by all as the "church mouse". Over the years, he served St. Paul's as a Lay Minister and a Stephen Minister. In these capacities, George visited parishioners unable to attend church, bringing them bulletins and serving communion. He would refer to this activity as his "paper route" and performed it well into his nineties. George was well known for his wit and gentle charm and was always welcomed by his friends and acquaintances. He was a dog lover and cherished the company of his last dog, Triscuit. An avid traveler, George visited many countries, including several trips to Russia. In addition to his service to St. Paul's, George was a generous supporter of many charities and extremely loyal to his alma mater, Kenyon College. He was a lover of the arts and classical music and enjoyed attending concerts and plays to the end of his life. George was preceded in death by his brother Mason Hooker Lytle in 2004 and his sister-in-law Sara Kimmel Lytle in 2010. He is survived by his nieces: Connie Lytle Mereness (Rooney) and Sally Lytle Parkin (George) and their families. The family extends their grateful thanksgiving for the loving care given by Beth Powell and Dr. Steven Swedlund. A Memorial Service will be held at St Paul's on Thursday, March 8 at 3:00 pm, with a reception to follow in the church Cloister. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George's remembrance to St Paul's Episcopal Church, Kenyon College Scholarship Fund or your preferred charity.