Terry Kirk Lytle

August 24, 1947 - July 2, 2016

Terry K. Lytle, age 68, of rural Johnston City, IL passed away peacefully with his family by his side at 3:42 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, 2016, in Barnes-Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, MO. He was born on Sunday, August 24, 1947, in Vincennes, IN the son of Arnold “Cut” and Thelma Aneta (Brown) Lytle. Terry attended school in Bridgeport, IL and was a graduate of Bridgeport High School Class of 1965. He then answered the call of this nation in September of 1966, by serving in the United States Army. After his period of active service he was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist Fifth Class. After his discharge in September of 1969, he enlisted into the Illinois Army National Guard and faithfully served until the time of his discharge in 2001, with the rank of Sergeant First Class. Terry was united in marriage to JoAnn Cooksey on Saturday, May 30, 1970, in Marion and together they have shared over 46 years of marriage. His working career began early in his lifetime with Red Mullins Construction Company. After a short period of time he began working for the Henkels & McCoy Construction Company. This position required him to travel and be gone from home and when he started his family he decided it was time to change his career and be at home. So in 1972, he began his long career working for General Telephone, which later became Verizon Communications. He continued in this position until he decided to retire in 2009. Terry was a member of the First Church of God in Marion. He also was a proud member of the National Rifle Association. Terry loved his country and was very patriotic. He was a collector of eagles and any kind and army memorabilia. He was known as a jokester and always was in good humor. Terry was known as a family man and when he saw a need was always willing to help others. He also was a Green Bay Packer and New York Yankee fan. In his spare time he enjoyed going to Heber Springs and Mountain Home Arkansas fly fishing for trout. All through his life he was always busy but the most important part of his life was his family. He was always interested and supported all of their activities and looked forward to the times they gathered together. The many memories that were created will now be cherished by those he leaves behind. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn Lytle of rural Johnston City; two daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Jo and Chris Pritchard of Marion and Tara Kay and Jeramie Eyestone of rural Creal Springs; five grandchildren, Brayden, Laney and Macey Eyestone all of rural Creal Springs and Emilee and Benjamin Pritchard both of Marion, sister and brother-in-law, Krista and Rick Lynn of Brooks, KY; adopted daughter, Christie Capps and her husband Matt of Ina, IL; four brothers-in-law, Charles R. Cooksey of Rockledge, FL, Robert L. Cooksey and his wife, Barbara and John P. Cooksey and his wife Beth all of rural Johnston City and Michael S. Cooksey of Greenville, IL; sister-in-law, Linda Kay Winstead and her husband Charlie of Marion, a host of nieces and nephews, other extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Stephen R. Cooksey. Arrangements for Terry K. Lytle were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion, IL. The visitation was from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 7th, at the funeral home. During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people places and events in Terry’s life was presented to the family and friends. The funeral service was at 11:00 a.m. on Friday July 8, 2016, with Pastor Roy Pepmiller presiding. The service began with a walk thru by members of the Illinois State Police and members of the 133rd Signal Battalion of the Illinois Army National Guard who were serving as pallbearers. Comments of memory were presented by Terry’s adopted daughter, Christie Capps and good friend, Derik Kraus. The prelude and postlude musical selections were recorded piano selections. Special vocal musical selections presented during the service were “When We All Get to Heaven”, “What a Day That Will Be”, “Because He Lives” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” all by Pastor Robert Rice who accompanied himself on the guitar. Also presented was the vocal musical selection “In the Garden” by Jessica Moore and Pastor Robert Rice who accompanied on the guitar. Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion. Serving as pallbearers were members of the 133rd Signal Battalion of the Illinois Army National Guard. They were Joe Wood, Harley Rudd, Brant Hall, Matthew Kraus, Kaleb Green and Derik Kraus. This was the unit that Terry served in while in the National Guard. Military honors were accorded at the graveside by members of Heyde-Pillow V.F.W. Post No. 1301, American Legion Post No. 147 both of Marion and the Illinois Army National Guard Funeral Honors Burial Detail of Marion. Those participating were Commander, Nancy Brown; Chaplain, Ron Ganzer; Officer of the Day, Larry Largent; Bugler, Bill Rice; Color Guard, Jessie James and Rodger Morris; National Colors, Ernie Rinella and Firing Squad, Don Burgrabe, Bob Casey, Bill Hampsey, Bill Hatfield and Tim Payne. Those members of the Illinois Army National Guard Funeral Honors Detail participating in the folding of the flag were SGT Garrett Lukens and SPC Erik Clapps. Presentation of the folded flag to Terry’s wife, JoAnn was by SGT Garrett Lukens. Between the religious committal service and military honors the recorded musical selection “The Army Goes Rolling Along” was presented. During the folding of the flag the recorded musical selection “America the Beautiful” was presented. Following the committal service at the cemetery the family and friends gathered at First Church of God in Marion, for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to “The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society,” and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes were available at the funeral home. For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.