Charles Franklin Lytle, PhD

Spartanburg, SC- Charles Franklin Lytle, 83, after a full life, passed away suddenly on Monday, October 19, 2015. Born May 13, 1932 in Crawfordsville, IN, Charles was a son of the late Robert Earl and Rose Caplinger Lytle. He was raised on a farm in New Market, IN before honorably serving his country in the US Army as an Intelligence Specialist. Charles received his B. S degree from Wabash College in Crawfordsville, IN and his Masters and PhD from Indiana University. He was the author of General Zoology Laboratory Manual, currently in its 16th edition, in use at numerous colleges across the United States, and recently translated into German. A lifelong educator, Charles taught at Tulane University, Pennsylvania State University, and North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. He developed the Advanced Placement Program at North Carolina State University and served as its Director. Charles has also served as President of NC Academy of Science and as Director of Junior Academy of Science. He received the NCSU Alumni Outstanding Service Award in 2000 for his work in developing a major outreach program in science education, as well as many other academic and service awards. Charles played a very active role in the Rotary Club of Cary, Boy Scout Troop 210 of Cary, and the First United Methodist Church in Cary. He was recently approved by the governor of North Carolina to receive the state’s highest honor, The Order of The Long Leaf Pine. Charles is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda Evans Lytle; five children, Charles Gregory and Thomas Hathaway Lytle, both of Cary, NC, Eric Russell Lytle of Morrisville, NC, Stephan Anthony Earl Lytle (Scott McEuen) of Los Angeles, CA, and Victoria Lytle Utesch (Barry) of Greensboro, NC; three step-children, John Hetrick (Kathy) of Greenville, SC, Camille Hetrick Wolfe (Ricky) of Spartanburg, SC, and Mary Margaret Gregg (Bill) of Alpharetta, GA; five grandchildren, Chris, Sam, and Carlie Utesch, Kathryn Utesch Alexander (Brian), and Jessica Leigh Lytle; ten step-grandchildren, Adeline, Grant, and Olivia Wolfe, Shannon and John Walker Hetrick, Will, Jack, Lucy, Mary Lois, and Eliza Jane Gregg; and one great granddaughter, Leslie Grace Alexander. He was predeceased by Carol Cottingham Lytle; a brother, Robert Lytle; and sister, Mary Lou Sowers. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 23rd, 3PM at The Episcopal Church of the Advent, 141 Advent Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. A reception will immediately follow the service. In remembrance of Charles, memorials may be made to the Charles F. and Brenda Evans Lytle Biological Sciences Endowment Fund, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7474, Raleigh, NC 27695-7474, The American Legion, Post 28, P O Box 391, Spartanburg, SC 29304 or the charity of one’s choice.