Ronald Lytle

Ronald Edwin Lytle

June 17, 1945 - July 1, 2014

PALISADE, Neb-- Ronald Edwin Lytle, 69, Palisade, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, July 1, 2014, at the Nebraska Heart Institute in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. CT, Wednesday, July 9 at Hamlet Union Church in Hamlet, Nebraska, with Pastor Kevin McGraw officiating. Burial will be a private family service at a later date.

A memorial has been established in Ron's name.

Ron was born June 17, 1945, in Imperial, Nebraska, to Edwin and Esther (Morse) Lytle. He graduated from Wauneta High School in 1962. Ron worked for Pennington's Garage during high school. He joined the Navy in 1963, serving in active duty through 1966 and in the Reserves from 1966-1969.

Ron married Holly MacDonnell on Aug. 6, 1965, in Quincy, Massachusetts, and to this union his first daughter, Robin Beth, was born.

Ron moved back to Nebraska to work with his dad on the farm during the warm months and in the winter, he would go to Denver, Colorado, to work as a welder. In Denver, he met Rosemary "Josie" Gunton. Ron and Josie were married on June 9, 1975, and to this union daughters Joby Dee and Libby Marie were born. Ron continued to work with his dad on the farm and did mechanic work on the side. Eventually he started Riverside Repair and became well-known for his work restoring antique cars. He also had side jobs of custom harvesting with Littrel Harvesting and playing in several bands over the years. In his retirement, he began building steel toys and was known as Buffalo Commons Creations nation-wide by toy lovers.

Ron loved making music (playing guitar), reading, building toys, playing pool and relaxing at the Legion in Palisade. His artistic talents were clear to anyone who heard him pick up whatever instrument was lying around and play it, or to anyone that saw a car he had painted or a toy he had built. Ron was a friend to all.

Ron is survived by his wife, Josie; three daughters: Robin (Frank) McLaughlin of Hanover, Massachusetts, Joby (Jason) Collins of Chadron, Libby (Willis) Ruppert of McCook; grandchildren, Lia Ehlers Santos, Landon McLaughlin, Lauren and Braddley Collins, and Natasha, Alexis, and James Ruppert. He is also survived by his mother, Esther (Morse) Lytle; brothers: Arnold (Janet) Lytle and Terry (Christine) Lytle; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Edwin Lytle and brothers, Gene and Keith Lytle.

Online condolences can be left at liewerfuneralhome.com

Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta is in charge of arrangements.