Robert Larry Lytle

1935 - 2025

Robert Larry Lytle

March 22, 1935 - August 15, 2025

Robert "Larry" Lytle was born on March 22, 1935, in a dirt floor sod house, delivered by his dad, near Vetal, S.D. 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, S.D. 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, Neb. 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, S.D., 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 what ever 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, Wyo., and Kelly Lytle of Sturgis, S.D.; former wife, Norma Lytle of Rapid City, S.D.; 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 to 5 p.m., at The Lytle Ranch, 22781 Crooked Creek Rd., Wall, S.D, followed by a gathering at the Wasta Bar. Online condolences may be found at https://www.kanefuneral.com.