Ellis "Red" Byriel, age 86 of Lytton, IA, passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Loring Hospital in Sac City, IA. Ellis Duane Byriel was born on August 8, 1938, to parents Kenneth M. and Lorraine (Anderson) Byriel in Casey, IA. He attended school in Lytton, graduating with the class of 1956 from Lytton High School. Red was a member of Emanuel-St. John Lutheran Church in Lytton where he was both baptized and confirmed at in 1952.
In February of 1956, Red was drafted into the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in June of 1964.
On June 17, 1959, Red married the love of his life, Nelma Lucille Davis at Emanuel-St. John Lutheran Church in Lytton. This union was blessed with four children: Bruce, Bart, Brenda, and Brian. Red and Nelma were always together. They enjoyed riding the motorcycle and loved being at each other’s side. They were truly the best of friends and their love for one another was evident.
Red worked as a mechanic/maintenance worker nearly all of his life before retiring in 2007. He could fix just about anything and loved working on small motors. He loved his small town and served as Mayor of Lytton for nineteen years. He also served on the Lytton City Council for sixteen years and the Lytton Library Board for several years.
In his free time, Red enjoyed being outside doing yard work, horseshoe pitching, motorcycle riding, and especially enjoyed bowling. He was the men’s bowling league president for over twenty years. He was a NASCAR fan and enjoyed watching the races any time he was able. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Those left to cherish his memory include children, Bruce (Tracie) Byriel of Colfax, LA, Bart (Barbara) Byriel of Estherville, IA, and Brenda (Randy) Martin of Nixa, MO; grandchildren: Brad Joy, Corey (Julie) Joy, Jessica (Jeremy) Jeseritz; great-grandchildren: Ivy (Riley) Smith, Kaden, Karleigh, Kenzie (fiancé Cole), and Maverick Joy, Keaton, Jace, and Wyatt Jeseritz; sister-in-law Ramona Davis of Lakeville, MN; nephew Bill (Kay) Cates; many other nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Red was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nelma Byriel; four-year-old son Brian Byriel; parents Kenneth and Lorraine Byriel; parents-in-law Howard and Lillian Davis; sister Marilyn Cates; brother Carl Byriel; sisters-in-law Maxine Cook, Donnabell Kilpela, Luella Zimmer, and Burnice Mandernach; and brother-in-law Marvin Davis.
