Robert "Larry" Lytle

Robert "Larry" Lytle was born March 22, 1935 in a sod house delivered by his dad in Vetel, SD - half way between Kadoka and Martin. In 1936 following the Great Depression, the Lytle family consisting of his dad Joe, his mom Vera, half-brother Jack Smith, sisters MaryAnn, Lucille (Lu), Lyla, Onalee (Ony), brother Joe and Larry moved to a farm north of Wasta on the Cheyenne River. Larry attended grade school at Wasta and Wall, and high school at Wall and Chadron Prep in Chadron, NE. He was proud to be an all-state basketball player on the Prep team that won the State Championship in 1952. He attended Chadron State College graduating in 1956 earning All-Conference basketball honors, and he and his brother Joe were the recipients of the CSC Distinguished Service Award in 1995. Larry taught high school and coached basketball for two years at Hot Springs, SD and then was drafted into the army. After his honorable discharge, Larry went to Dental School at the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry. Following graduation in 1964, Larry joined brother Joe in his dental practice and went on to practice dentistry in Rapid City for 35 years. He loved his community and selfishly served in leadership roles in the governance of the city. He served on the City Council for five years and was a big part of bringing in the new Civic Center to Rapid. He was on the YMCA board for many years and also an International Rotary member for 47 years. Larry was a perpetual student and attended many post graduate seminars, earned a PhD in Nutrition, and was labeled "10-20 years ahead of his time." Following dentistry, Larry developed the Q Laser System, a low level laser system that improved and changed the lives of many.
Larry is survived by his current wife, Freddie Eason, daughters Kim Ryan of Sheridan, WY and Kelly Lytle of Sturgis, SD and former wife, Norma Lytle of Rapid City, SD. He is survived by all nine of his grandchildren: Rebecca Newman (Andrew), Rachel Ryan, Riley Ryan (Hailey), Rickie Ryan, Robbi Ryan, Eli Lord, Levi Lord, Lynsey Ward (Connor),and Brennan Lytle; as well as five 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 as well as all of their children and extended families, and he made a commitment to stay connected with them all. Larry was preceded in death by all seven of his siblings, and his son, Kip Lytle.
A Memorial Service will be held the afternoon of Saturday, October 18, 2025 north of Wasta, SD at the Lytle Ranch and Family Memorial. His ashes will be scattered in the Cheyenne River breaks. For more information on details please contact Kelly Lytle at 605-519-0101.