Donald K. Lutes, Sr.'s Obituary
Donald K. Lutes, Sr., passed away on December 13, 2012 at the age of 93. He was born on August 15th, 1919 in Chicago, Illinois. Don was preceded in death by his parents Margaret (nee Knox) Lutes and S. Edward Lutes, and his dear, beloved, wife of 60 years who passed away on September 27th, 2004, Dorothy Mae (Dottie) Lutes. Don and Dottie are survived by five sons: son, Randal A. Lutes (Karen), grandchildren Kristin, great granddaughter Haley Fallon Lutes, and Randal Lutes, Jr. of Beaverton, Oregon; son, Charles Edward Lutes (Valerie) of Sequim, Washington; son, Kevin D. Lutes (Barbara) of Jacksonville, Florida and grandsons Christopher of San Diego, CA and Matthew of Goleta, CA; son, Donald K. Lutes, Jr. (Karin) of Scottsdale, Arizona; and son, Jeffrey Brian Lutes of Mesa, Arizona. Don Sr., attended Morgan Park Junior College, the University of Illinois, and the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, where he majored in Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, and Education. As a member of the Illinois Naval Reserve he was called into active duty in January, 1941, and served in the U.S. Navy Medical Department during World War II until his discharge in October 1945. Most of his service was in the South Pacific Theatre. He served 2 years on the U.S.S. Fuller, a combat-troop transport. Don and Dottie were married in October 1943 while he was home on leave. After WWII in 1945 he was employed by the Sherwin-Williams Paint Company as a chemist, and continued his education on a night school basis for eight years until 1953. Through his 36 years with the company he held several supervisory and administrative positions. His last position at retirement in 1981 was Director of Technical Services, Coatings, International Division. He was active, for the company, in several professional associations related to his career. The National Coil Coaters Association, where he served 14 years on the Board of Directors and President for two years. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992. The Aluminum Siding Association, Technical Committee chairman, Board Member, and Secretary 1965 to 1978. The Aluminum Association: Technical Advisor on Coatings. The Architectural Aluminum Manufacturers Association, Chairman Paints and Coatings Committee, 1966 to 1970. The Building Research Institute (National Academy of Arts and Sciences) 1961 1965, Chairman Paints and Coating Systems, Chairman Programs Planning Committee. The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), Committee DI Chairman, test procedures task group 1979-1981. Some of the above activities were concurrent during Don's career. Don also served as President of Naval Reserve Veterans Association of Chicago for 11 years. He also was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Guadalcanal Campaign Veterans Association. He served as National Senior Vice President for 4 years in the latter. He also held membership in the American Legion and the Fleet Reserve Associations. During his teen years and into his adult life Don was very active in scouting. He became an Eagle Scout in 1938. During his career years Don and Dottie raised their family in Park Forest, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. He served a two year term as President of the Eastgate Residents Association of Park Forest, Illinois. Don was an active outdoorsman, and loved hiking, camping, canoeing, and traveling with his family. He and his wife Dottie were active RV'ers since their retirement in 1982 to Tucson, Arizona. Don was an avid reader, writer, author, scholar, and a historian of Native American nations and cultures. A Funeral Service will be held 3:00 p.m., Monday, December 17, 2012 at EVERGREEN MORTUARY, N. Oracle & W Miracle Mile. Interment will follow in EVERGREEN CEMETERY. Friends may call at the mortuary on Monday from 1 P.M. until the time of service. The arrangements are by EVERGREEN MORTUARY & CEMETERY.
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