Russell Earl Lutes

Russell Earl Lutes, 67, went home to be with the LORD on Friday, March 18, 2016. He was born September 17, 1948 in Brazil, Indiana, the son of Earl Lutes and Lenora (Price) Lutes. He graduated from Stanton High School, class of 1967 and proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1967 – 1972. He later graduated from Indiana State University with a degree in Recreation (1976) and received a masters degree from Indiana Wesleyan University (1996). In 1970 Russ married his high school crush, the love of his life and best friend, Diane Marie (Berry) Lutes. Russ worked for K-Mart Corporation as a manager and district manager for over ten years during which time he began actively serving the Lord at Converse Church or Christ. He later followed the Lord’s calling to work as a youth leader with Youth for Christ and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. For the past thirteen years he has been serving the Lord as a minister at Wilkinson Church of Christ. The Converse Church of Christ ordained Russ in 1991. Russ’s central value was love through service to others. He was known as a man with a generous, loving heart. He will be deeply missed by his wife Diane, son Chris (Sherri) Lutes of Pendleton, Indiana, daughters Tawnya (Nick) Provenzano and Natasha (Derek) Howard of Indianapolis, grandchildren Zachary Lutes, Larry Eccles, Natalia and Amelia Provenzano, and Anna and Ava Tatiana Howard, brothers Steve, Tim (Carol) and Greg (Melanie) Lutes, sister Terry (Sam) Riddell, his children’s Uncle Jim Smith, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. “Papa Lutes” will also be missed by many children of the heart that he served through the ministries of Youth for Christ, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Converse Church of Christ. Russ leaves behind many dear friends and fellow servants of the Lord, who he would charge to continue his legacy of love. He was preceded in death by his parents and three grandsons, Devin Earl Lutes, Andrew Howard, and Samuel Provenzano. Funeral service will be held Thursday, March 24, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at Wilkinson Church of Christ, 7293 N. State Road 109, Wilkinson, Indiana, with Ryan McCarty officiating. Friends may call at the church Wednesday, March 23, 2016 from 3-8 P.M. There will be a private burial at a later date at Marion National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Mahoning Valley Christian Service Camp, 3823 East 225 N, Rushville, IN. 46173, or Riley Children’s Foundation 30 S. Meridian St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 466204-3509.