Leonard Newton Lutes' Obituary
Leonard Newton Lutes died on April 4, 2015, at age 95. He was born to Elmor and Gertie Lutes in Linden, Texas, the third youngest and last survivor of eight children. His family moved to Dallas in 1923, and he grew up in Trinity Heights in Oak Cliff during the Great Depression. During the late 1930s , he went to work for Sears, Roebuck. When WWII started, he enlisted in the Seventh Air Force and served in the Pacific Front on the islands of Oahu, Canton, Kwajalein, Eniwetok, Guam and Saipan as US Forces advanced across the Pacific toward Japan. After he was discharged at the end of the war, he returned to Dallas and married his sweetheart, Hertha Williams Lutes, who predeceased him in 2004. He and Hertha were beloved by all of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren as “Pawpaw” and “Mimi”. Leonard and Hertha were very interested and involved in the activities of their children and grandchildren. They also enjoyed travel, and combined that often with another of their interests, family genealogy. They were also active, long-time members of First Baptist Church of Richardson. Leonard also returned to work for Sears after the war, and retired in 1980 as a Group Merchandise Manager for the Southwestern Territory. He is survived by son Dennis and wife Kay, daughter Diana, five grandchildren (Jill Knight, Deborah Vanicek and husband Harold, Justin Howard and wife Anne, David Lutes and wife Carolyn, and Jaime Gough and husband Brad), thirteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. There will be a graveside service at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 7, at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75243. In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest a memorial contribution to the charity of your choice.
What’s your fondest memory of Leonard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Leonard?
Share a story where Leonard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Leonard you’ll never forget.
How did Leonard make you smile?