Lytle, Jay Steven

Mr. Jay Steven Lytle, 54, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2015, at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, Illinois after two months of hospitalization due to complications of pancreatitis.

He was born June 25, 1960 in Moline, and at five weeks old was adopted by Robert L. and Marcella “Sally” M. Lytle of Galesburg, Illinois. He attended Douglas and Lombard schools and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1978. He was baptized and confirmed in the Galesburg Covenant Church. He worked 35 years for the BNSF railroad in the Galesburg and Alliance, Nebraska yards, becoming an engineer in 1994.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela S. Lytle; two sons, Justin R. Lytle (Julie) and Tyler P. Lytle and one stepdaughter, Samantha Platz. He had seven grandchildren, Breeanna Cornell, Brody Lytle, Broox Jay Lytle; Taeler Lytle, Tyler Lytle, Cheyenne Lytle and Leeah Lytle; a brother, Rod D. Lytle (Julie); stepbrother, Dr. Henry Russell (Lynn); stepsister, Patricia Russell; his mother, Sally M. Lytle Russell; a special uncle, Larry Lytle; six aunts, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert L. Lytle and his stepfather, J.T. Russell, plus several uncles, aunts, and cousins.

He loved to race the sprint cars he owned for several years, to ride motorcycles, and later attend auto racing events with his sons and grandson Brody. He also loved to fish when he had time away from operating locomotives for BNSF Railway. He never met a stranger and was known as Jaybird to many. He was always ready to talk railroad with family and friends.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday January 30, 2015 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel with Mark Bryant officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday January 29, 2015 at the chapel. Private Inurnment will be at a later date in the Wataga Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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