Robert Lutes

The service will be livestreamed.

This link will go live 5 to 10 minutes prior to the memorial service

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF3Bk_heBuiMErAWRfv-1nQ/live

Robert Lutes, 89, of New Paris, Indiana passed away July 19, 2025 in Goshen.  Robert was born December 18, 1935 in St. Joseph County, Indiana to Orville R. and Louise I. (Vail) Lutes. In 1953, on December 31st, he married Florence Louise Hixson.  They were married 70 years when she preceded him in death on December 1, 2023.

He was a 1953 graduate of New Paris High School.  A lifetime rural resident of New Paris, Bob began farming in 1954 raising crops and feeder cattle.  One of the first farmers in Elkhart County to irrigate in his fields, he won several awards for corn yields and was recognized as an outstanding young farmer of the area.  Bob’s father retired from full-time farming in 1967, and together the two continued with the crop and beef feeder cattle operation.  Bob also began working full-time for Rock Builders as a skilled brick mason.  He worked in construction, farming before and after work, until his retirement from Nu-Way Construction in 1997.  Bob and Florence moved to the family farm in 1980 and were in time, honored as owners of a Hoosier Homestead and an Elkhart County Centennial Farm.

During retirement, Bob and Florence wintered in Venice, Florida. He was  a board director for their community, Curry Cove.  He was always ready for a shark’s tooth hunt, eagle watch or bicycle ride with their many visitors.

Raised in the New Paris Methodist Church, he taught Sunday School, served as trustee and participated in mission trips to Jamaica and storm relief areas. During his retirement years, he was active in men’s fellowship at Nokomis-Venice United Methodist Church and also attended Grace United Methodist Church in Venice. His faith was an important part of his life, starting each day with his bible and devotions.

A community steward, servant and quiet leader, he was always ready to help a friend or stranger any time of day.  Bob enjoyed each person he met and never forgot a face.   A charter member of the New Paris Lions Club, he worked alongside club members and community volunteers to build Sunnyside Park.  In 2004, Lions International honored him with the Melvin Jones Fellowship award for significant service to his community.  He also received a 70-year membership award in 2024.

His true passion was flying and all things aviation.  In 1968, he earned his private pilot license.  Bob was always ready for an airplane ride and would take anyone up who wanted to go. His favorite flight was in his Cub, early in the morning or just before dusk, flying low and slow, admiring God’s earth.  His love of flying influenced many family members to choose aviation as a career. He held a seaplane rating.  In 2017 he was honored with the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.

Over the years, he joined others in bringing airshows to the Goshen Airport and volunteered for aviation events in Venice.  He was a member of the Nappanee Experimental Aviation Association chapter. Bob had a special camaraderie with other aviators from all walks of life. Lunch with fellow pilots at Goshen Airport was one of his favorite things.  In Florida, his Thursdays were dedicated to the Venice Lunch Bunch, when he joined airport friends flying to lunch at various airports across the state of Florida.

He and Florence were active members of the International Flying Farmers; with both of them recognized for their leadership roles locally, regionally and internationally.  Bob served as an international officer for five years, and as President of International Flying Farmers in 1994-1995.

His life-long interest in farming led to many friendships through social and service activities.  He was well-known for sharing sweet corn, tomatoes and pumpkins. Bob was a member of the Northern Indiana Johnny Poppers and actively served on the Elkhart County Agriculture Society board.  A member of FFA and 4-H as a youth, he continued to support and encourage family and friends in their projects throughout his life.

Mr. Lutes dedicated nearly five decades as a director to NP Tech (formerly New Paris Telephone Company), serving as board secretary/treasurer from 1986 - 2018. He was elected Director Emeritus in 2024, in honor of his service and contribution to the company.

He is survived by three children; Ralph (Melba) Lutes, Shipshewana, Mary Ann (Dale) Holderman, New Paris, and Richard “Rick” (Amy) Lutes, Hampshire, IL; two granddaughters, Tina (Ken) Martin, and Stacy Lutes; two great-grandchildren, Audrianna and Derrick Martin; a sister, M. Sue Neff, Goshen;  a sister-in-law, Linda (Roger) Hollinger; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and  sister, Phyllis Feaster.

Visitation will be held at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home on Sunday, July 27, from 1-4 and 6-8 p.m.  There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the funeral service on Monday, July 28, at 10 a.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.

Burial will follow in Milford Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the New Paris Lions Club or to Grace United Methodist Church, New Paris.