Larry E. Lytle 71

Alamosa Resident Larry E. Lytle 71, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 16, 2018 at Thirty-Mile Campground above Creede Colorado.  He was born on June 7, 1947 to Luther G. Lytle and Faye Smith Lytle in Middleburg, Pennsylvania. 

After graduation from Middleburg High School in 1965 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and completed a course in munition training at Lowry Air Force in Denver.  He then went overseas to Tripoli during the Sixth Day War.  After receiving an honorable discharge he worked on his father’s chicken farm and later drove truck for his brother Leon until 1976. 

On August 10, 1969 he married the love of his life; his wife of almost 49 years, the former Shirley Zimmerman Lytle.  Larry developed a love for flying and after receiving his pilot’s license in 1975 went on to get his Ag Aircraft Operators Training at Commander Air Service Flight School in Albany Georgia in 1976.  He flew one season in Decatur Michigan before moving to Alamosa in May of 1978, and went to work for Silver State Aviation for 12 years.  On January 6, 1980 he and Shirley were blessed with their only son Jeffrey Lee Lytle and later daughter-in-law Tracy.  In 1990 Larry bought a Cessna Ag truck and formed Southern Colorado Ag.  He went on to spray for another 22 years.  During his off season from flying he also worked for Southway Construction and later the State of Colorado Department of Agriculture as a potato inspector for 12 years, and made many friends with the farmers and his co-workers.  On May 17, 2013 Larry became Papa to his beautiful granddaughter Kadence Elizabeth Lytle who was his pride and joy, and loved very much.  Upon retiring he and Shirley were able to finally enjoy the outdoors in the summer and loved to go camping, four-wheeling and fishing.  Larry also cherished the years of hunting with his son Jeff and other friends.  He loved the mountains, hiking, animals of all kinds, especially his canine buddy Coby, and he loved muscle cars and black licorice!

Larry was a member of The Freed Store Church in Monte Vista, and served as an elder.  He loved the Lord and his wonderful church family.  Larry was humble, kind and gentle man, always willing to help anyone he could.  His work ethic was incredible and was always a good provider.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and was the source of so much joy and laughter to his family and friends.  His life was a gift to all who knew him and he will be greatly missed. 

Larry is survived by his wife Shirley, one son Jeffrey, daughter-in-law Tracy and granddaughter Kadence all from Alamosa, and one brother Willard K. Lytle (Dottie) from Montandon, Pennsylvania. 

He was preceded in death and welcomed into heaven by his parents Luther and Faye Lytle, grandparents Gilbert and Sula Mae Lytle and Clem and Ellen Smith of Middleburg, Pennsylvania and one brother Leon D. Lytle of Sunbury, Pennsylvania. 

Cremation was chosen and a celebration of life will be held Monday July 23, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at The Feed Store Church, 4900 East County Rd 2 South in Monte Vista Colorado. 

The care of arrangements have been entrusted to Rogers Family Mortuary of Alamosa.  Online condolences, tributes and remarks for Larry’s family may be left at www.RogersFunerals.com