Eddie D. Lytle

Eddie D. Lytle, 73 of Fairbury, NE, formerly of Wymore, NE passed away on Tuesday July 27, 2021 at his home in Fairbury while surrounded by his family after a 21-year battle with cancer.

"Ed”, “Eddie” or “Deaner”, as he was known by many of his family and friends was born in September of 1947 in Wymore, Nebraska.  He was the youngest of five children born to Eddie R. Lytle and Martha (Buresh) Lytle.  He married Linda Salts on June 19, 1970, in Wymore, NE. This union was blessed with two sons, Todd and Anthony “Tony” Lytle.  After Linda passed in August of 2014, Eddie was united in marriage to Gyra Dienstbier on September 16 ^th 2017.

He graduated from Wymore, NE High School in 1965.  After graduation, he Enrolled in the Army National Guard in May of 1966.  During the beginning of his military career, he served as an Infantry Company Legal Specialist, Infantry Company Supply Sergeant, Infantry Administration Specialist, Infantry Company Heavy Mortar Platoon Sergeant, and Armor Company Supply Sergeant.   In April 1993 to March 2006, he was the Command Sergeant Major of an Infantry Battalion, Command Sergeant Major of an Armor Battalion, Command Sergeant Major of the 92 ^nd Troop Command, and Command Sergeant Major of Training Site Command.  In addition, he served as State- Side Command Sergeant Major and Family Assistant Officer for the 1-167 ^th Cavalry Unit which was deployed to Bosnia.  He ended his military career on May 12, 2006 after retiring as a Command Sergeant Major with 40 years of service.  He enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie with his fellow soldiers and taking care of his troops and their families.  Many strong life-lasting bonds and friendships were formed from his experiences with his soldiers and their families during his military career.

Eddie acquired numerous awards and decorations throughout his military career and earned the Expert Marksmanship Badge with Rifle and pistol.  On November 6 ^th , 2018, he was awarded Veteran of the Month by the Jefferson County Commissioners.  On May 15 ^th , 2019, he was awarded Veteran of the month by the Fairbury Elks Lodge.  Additionally, on July 1 ^st , 2021 he was presented a Quilt of Valor by the American Legion Auxiliary.

Another love of Eddie’s was helping others.  He served his community as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff in Jefferson County for 10 years.  In addition, he served as a member of the Fairbury Volunteer Fire-Rescue Team for over 43 years.  Once again, many life-lasting bonds and friendships were formed from his experiences as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff and Fire-Rescue member.

Eddie was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3113 in Fairbury where he served on the Honor Guard.  He was also an active member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Fairbury and an active member of the Knights of Columbus until his decline in health.  Ed was also a Trustee and active member of the Fairbury Elks Lodge for over 50 years.

Eddie was devoted to his family and friends and spent numerous summers in the outdoors camping and fishing with those he loved.  During the fall and winter his love of hunting took over, enjoying time with his family and friends walking through fields, sitting in a tree stand, or sitting in a duck blind, just happy to be spending time with those he loved and enjoying life.  Eddie also loved to bowl, play cards, garden and just spend time with friends and family, especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include wife Gyra Lytle, his two sons, Todd Lytle (Deanna) of Fairbury, and Tony Lytle (Jen) of Wilber, and eight grandchildren - Alissa, Sara, Matthew and Jessa Lytle (Fairbury), Carter and Tessa Lytle and Owen and Shali McCright (Wilber).  Step-sons Kevin and Shawn (Starla) Dienstbier, five step-grandchildren and six step great grand children.  He is also survived by brother Ronnie Lytle, sisters Norma (John) Fleege and Janet (Gary) Sohl.  He was preceded in death by wife Linda Lytle, his parents Eddie R. and Martha Lytle, and sister Mae Marie Schultz.

A rosary will be held Monday, August 2 ^nd at 7pm at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 3 ^rd at 10:30 am at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Fairbury.  Burial will be at the Wymore Cemetery in Wymore, NE. Memorials will go to Beatrice Community Hospital Hospice program and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.