Harry O. Lytle

“An unsigned obituary in the May, 1973 National Statesman says:  Harry O. Lytle, who died suddenly on 21 February 1973, worked as Bible Research Editor for the International Book Company.

     “His 76 years were full ones.  Converted to Christ in 1917 and married to Martha E. Maze in 1920, Mr. Lytle’s business career included 37 years in the department store field, 23 of those as owner and manager of his own store in Junction City, Kansas and a 5-1/2 year term as business manager for the First Church of the Nazarene in Wichita.  His position with the International Book Company began in 1969. 

     He occupied many positions of trust in the Church of the Nazarene and was selected as ‘Father of the Year’ by the Wichita First Church in 1972.  Other religious activities included membership on the Salvation Army board and the Executive Directorship of the Youth for Christ movement in Junction City.

     He was well known to Prohibitionists throughout the nation because of his long and loyal service to the party.  He served as a candidate for many state positions on the Prohibition ticket, always polling a large vote.  His candidacy for governor in 1956 featured a special motor caravan which toured the state plus an essay contest for school children on the subject of Prohibition.”

     Democrat George Docking, Sr. was elected Governor that year.  “… after finding that Republicans would not co-operate with him, he appointed first Mr. Lytle and later Warren C. Martin to the State Probation and Parole Board.  Thus, that board became composed of three Democrats and two Prohibitionists.  Mr. Lytle was Chairman of the Board during the latter years of his service.

     Mr. Lytle leaves behind … his wife Martha, three sons:  Harry, Jr., Glen, and James (all of Wichita); a sister Minnie Lais of Sacramento, California; 10 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and a host of friends…. Had he desired, he could have been on the national ticket in at least two instances.

     …. Mr Lytle’s funeral … was attended by some 800 people.”