David J. Lutes Sr., 79, formerly of South Bend, passed away at Creekside Village in Mishawaka. He was born in Kalamazoo, MI, on September 18, 1946, to the late Ernest G. and Catherine Elizabeth (Rakowska) Lutes.

David is survived by his wife, Vickie Lutes; sons, Richie (partner Jerrilyn Lechlitner) Lutes and David (Terri) Lutes; daughter, Angela (James) Wooden; stepson, James “Jim” Laughman; 13 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; siblings, Paul (Cindy) Lutes, Robert Lutes, and Pamela (Gary) Freeze; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; former wife, Pamela Lutes; brothers, Richard Lutes and Ernest D. “Tiny” Lutes Jr.; and his sister, Joan Rogers.

David was a kind and gentle man who mostly kept to himself and remained humble Despite his reserved nature he fought courageously against the many hardships in his life. David served proudly in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was a Cancer survivor. He had a great sense of humor and could be a bit ornery at times. David was the most caring husband and the strongest father his family could ever ask for.

In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, playing card games, coaching local soccer with his boys on the team, and keeping a well-manicured lawn. David especially enjoyed tinkering on old cars and other mechanical appliances. He loved to take them apart and examine how they all worked. This is no surprise to anyone as he was an electrician and machinist by trade and worked for several local companies in the maintenance department such as Goshen Coach, Acro Pak, and Belvedere. He also served as a manager for Creation Windows for a time. David and Vickie briefly moved to Tennessee where they were members of the local DAV before moving back to South Bend in 2020.

A private family celebration of life will take place at a later date. David will be laid to rest at Rice Cemetery where Military Honors will be rendered. Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart, IN is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial donations may be made in David’s honor to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County, 2506 Grape Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or Humane Society of Elkhart County, 54687 Co Rd 19, Bristol, IN 46507.