Norman Frederick Lytle

Beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather (“Baba”), uncle, and friend – was taken home into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father on Friday, September 9, 2022.

Norman was born to Edwin Guy and Margaret Jansen Lytle in February, 1936 in Akron, OH. He spent his childhood years growing up in Cumberland, MD and Akron, OH before moving to Gadsden, AL. After graduation from Gadsden High in 1953, Norman attended Auburn University on a football scholarship before transferring to Georgetown College. While at Georgetown he was active in campus ministry activities, Captain of the football team, and spent his summers working in Topeka, KS and mission work in Wasilla, AK. Norman’s life was changed when he met Martha Yocum, Georgetown College’s Homecoming Queen.

Following graduation in 1957, Norman and Martha were married in Crescent Hill Baptist Church. In February, 1958, they sailed by ship for a 1 ½ year assignment in Israel, teaching in Baptist children’s home/school and studying Hebrew and biblical geography. In 1964, after completing studies at Southern Baptist Seminary, the Lytles began 34 years of overseas ministry under the International Mission Board of the SBC. During 29 years in Israel and 5 years in Russia, Norman served as administrator, pastor, church planter, biblical tour guide, and Director of Baptist Village Camp & Conference Center (Israel).

Upon retirement in 1998, Norman returned to Louisville and became active in church and community volunteer work with God’s Designs, furnishing apartments for the local homeless population; pastoring a Japanese congregation, and being involved with the Karen congregation at Crescent Hill. Norman also enjoyed being on the Board of Directors for cleftRock Retreat in Mt Vernon, KY, where he and his family built a log cabin. He loved and was deeply devoted to his family; along with Martha they created many cherished memories by hosting “grandparents camp” each summer at the cabin. After the death of his beloved Martha, he continued a relationship with Baptist Health Systems, serving as a volunteer and wearing many hats as “Uncle Norm” for the past seven years of his life. He recently participated in establishing a Grief Walk at Cave Hill Cemetery for people dealing with loss.

When describing Norman, his positive attributes are many… a people person, loyal, friendly, kind, caring, generous, knowledgeable, adventurous, awesome ice cream maker, and a great story teller.

Norman was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Martha Ruth Yocum Lytle; parents Edwin and Margaret Lytle.

He is survived by his brothers, John H. Lytle of Chattanooga, TN; Donald E. Lytle of Birmingham, AL; children Beth Holthusen (Greg) of Winston Salem, NC; Ted Lytle (Amy) of Estero, FL; and Nathan Lytle (Linda) of Franklin, TN; 12 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at Arch L. Heady-Cralle Funeral Home, 2428 Frankfort Ave. Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Monday, September 19, 2022 at Crescent Hill Baptist Church, 2800 Frankfort Ave. Burial will follow at Cave Hill Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to CleftRock.org, Georgetown College Norman and Marth Yocum Lytle Graduating Senior Award; or supportbaptisthealth.org to Martha Lytle Memorial Endowment (Scholarship Fund for Nursing education)