Obituary

James “Jim” Lutes died on Sunday (Jan. 23, 2011) in Whitewater.

He was born on Jan. 8, 1923, in Jackson County, Ind., to Vernon and Ruby (Combs) Lutes. Jim was the oldest of four siblings. He worked at various positions in the steel industry, working his way to executive sales manager for J&L Steel in Indianapolis.

He is survived by siblings, Lucille (Lester) Hartley, Robert (Colleen) Lutes and William (Danna) Lutes; his daughter, Bette (Mark) Konecny; his grandson, Jim (Mindi) Ellis; and his great-grandchildren, Kalika Ellis, Jadden Ellis, Jason Bookless, Bret Bookless and Asher Ellis. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Winifred “Winnie” Hays Lutes; his parents; and his daughter, Barbara Ellis.

A wake will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 27) at the American Legion Hall in Whitewater, and the memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday (Jan. 28) at the Federated Church in Whitewater. A memorial has been established with the Kansas Wildlife Federation. Funeral arrangements are by Baker Funeral Home in Valley Center.