Eric William Lyttle

Eric William Lyttle, age 64, died peacefully in his sleep April 18, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend.
He is survived by his parents, Robilyn and Jack Lyttle, brother Jeff (Cathy), his wife of 20-years and one true love, Cindy, daughters, Jennie (Jared), Jessica, Erica (Tom), and Alex (Jacob), and eight grandchildren who brought him endless joy, Maia, Cameron, Kennedy, Phoenix, TJ, Tate, Hayleigh, and Everleigh.
Eric was a lifelong resident of Central Ohio, except for his years at Bowling Green State University, from which he graduated in 1982 with wild stories, a Black Lab named Michelob, and a degree in journalism.
He followed his curiosities wherever they would take him as an award-winning and respected journalist and an accomplished photographer with a keen eye for the beauty of wildlife, particularly the majesty of birds, and of all nature. He had a 50-year love affair with live music, crossing many genres. He built a stunning and constantly growing collection of vinyl record albums that moved with him to every home, dorm room, and apartment, arriving heavier with each stop of his journey. He was a savant at the thrift store, taking home not just record albums but interesting finds of all kinds. Along with wife Cindy and dog Kasey he enjoyed the open road as he piloted an RV in search of new stories and experiences. He was a forever hopeful Cleveland sports fan, and loved his Buckeyes, which made the hiring of Eddie George to lead his BGSU Falcons a huge win for his alma mater. And, oh how he enjoyed his fantasy baseball league.
Eric's byline appeared on stories in a wide array of newspapers, journals, and magazines, including Wind Power Digest, Suburban News Publications, and The Columbus Dispatch. He served as editor of The Other Paper, where he enjoyed giving the needle to the community's high and mighty. (The Other Paper was awarded best alternative newspaper in Ohio by the Cleveland Press Club while Eric was editor.) He also served as editor of Mid-Ohio Golfer, and Columbus Monthly magazine. Over two tenures at "Monthy," as he called it, he served a combined 15 years as editor and senior editor before retiring in 2018. He hung up his quill as a man on top: Columbus Monthly was named the Best City Magazine of 2018 by the City and Regional Magazine Association. On his professional LinkedIn profile, Eric listed his post-retirement role in life as "Meanderer." As usual, he chose the perfect word.
Family and friends may visit the 4-7:00PM on Tuesday, April 22 and 11-1:00PM on Wednesday, April 23, at the DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, 650 W. Waterloo St. Canal Winchester, OH 43110. A funeral service will begin at 1:00PM on Wednesday, April 23, at the funeral home. Interment will be private at Green Lawn Cemetery, Columbus, OH. Donations may be made in his name to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, TX 75380.