Robert Allan “Bob” Lyttle, 91, Joplin, Missouri, passed away early Monday morning, January 24, 2022, at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin, Missouri. He was born on October 25, 1930, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the son of the late Tom Allan Lyttle and Meddie E. (Harmon) Lyttle. He was a 1948 graduate of Cherryvale High School, Cherryvale, Kansas. He married Shirley Ann Neely on July 15, 1950, in Cherryvale, Kansas. He then graduated from Ozark Christian College in 1955. Bob began his career as a minister in 1952 in Fairland, Oklahoma, until moving in 1962 to pastor First Christian Church in Carthage, Missouri. After retirement, he pastored at Sarcoxie, Missouri and Red Oak II Salem Country Church. He also spent many happy hours helping manage the cafeteria at Ozark Christian College.
Among Bob’s interests and activities were serving as a Trustee for Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri; Trustee for Christ in Youth, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Director and Manager at Cyokamo Christian Church Camp; Member of the 120-man Continuation of the North American Christian Convention; Member of the Planning Committee for Missouri Christian Convention; and Member of the Advisory Council, Christian Church Pension Trust Fund. He was a life-long sports fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Oklahoma Sooners.
Survivors include his daughter, JoAnn Lyttle Draper, Branson West, Missouri; six grandchildren, Robert John Lyttle, Matthew Allen Tanner, Krisda Joy Winder, JaLea Alynne Winder, Allan William Welch, and Joniece Welch Makowski; numerous great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
Along with his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Shirley Ann Lyttle; a son Robert Aaron “Bobby” Lyttle; two daughters, Jan Alea Lyttle Winder and Debra Alane Lyttle Pope; a grandson, Bruce Daniel Winder; two sisters Betty Lou Chidester and Mary Ellen Greer; and a brother John Sidney Lyttle.
Services are pending and will be announced by the Knell Mortuary. The family suggests contributions be made to the Neely-Lyttle-Turner Ozark Christian College Scholarship Fund in care of the Knell Mortuary. Online Condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.