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Richard Luttrell Obituary
Richard A. Luttrell
ROCHESTER - Richard A. Luttrell, 62, of Rochester, died at 1:45 pm, Saturday, November 6, 2010 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born September 6, 1948 in Springfield, IL to Donald E. and Wilma Jean Noyes Luttrell. He married Carole L. Jenkins on November 23, 1968 and she survives. Also surviving is a daughter, Christina (Partner Linda Davis) Luttrell of Springfield; two grandchildren Ashley (David Nossem) Schwien of Springfield and Brittany Schwien of Springfield; one great-grandchild Mahkayla; three sisters Rita Walker of Springfield, Barb Owens of Elba, AL and Janet Banning of Springfield; 1 brother Ed Luttrell of Springfield and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. His parents; one daughter Carole Michelle Mackanin and one brother Kenneth Luttrell preceded him in death.
Richard was a lifelong resident of the Springfield area and resided in Rochester the past 20 years. He was an avid sky diver, a member of the USPA (United States Parachute Association) with a pro-rating, and a member of the Midwest Parachute Club in Taylorville. Mr. Luttrell served in the Army during Vietnam '67-'68, in the 2/327 Separate, A Company, 101st Airborne Division. He was a lifetime member of the VFW 755 and the Military Order of the Purple Heart Association. Richard was an avid fisherman and a past member of the Sangamon County Interveterans Burial Detail. He was active with the fundraising and completion of the Vietnam Memorial at Oak Ridge Cemetery and traveled to Vietnam 3 times after the war ended. He appeared on Dateline in 2000. Richard retired from the State of Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, as a Public Information Officer in 2002. He also worked at the IDPA and Meadow Gold Dairy.
Visitation: 4-7 pm, Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at Staab Funeral Home.
Funeral: 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at Staab Funeral Home, Pastor Mark Gifford officiating. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery where military honors will be conducted.
Memorials may be made to the 101st Airborne Division Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Luttrell
Mike Daily
November 2, 2022
I knew Richard from past 101st Abn. Asso reunions.
A GOOD man..!! He and the family will be remembered in prayers.
Ann Marie Luttrell
November 29, 2010
Uncle Richard, I will always love you and miss you! Aunt Carole you are in my prayers... Love you both ...
November 28, 2010
Carol and Family...
Just hearing of Richrd's passing to God..
I did not know him...but it is my loss that I did not get the chance to meet him...!!! He and you ALL will be in my prayers..Mike Daily-Sect-Treasurer..SE Penna Chapter
November 22, 2010
Carole
Sorry to here of Richard passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayer.
Eddie Pissott
Larry Frazier
November 20, 2010
Carole and Family,
Sorry to hear about Richs passing today from Terry Zahn of the Omaha Chapter of tht 101st Airborne Division Assn. We just saw you folks in Omaha at the 1st Brigade Reunion in October, and Rich made us all so proud by jumping at the Airborne Memorial. I've only known him for a couple years through the Assn., but what a great man and soldier. He made us all proud to be his brother.
"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother" - Shakespeare, Henry IV, Act Iv, Scene 3
Larry and Debbie Frazier
Greeley, CO
Brian Broccardo
November 20, 2010
To Rich, I wish you the most spectacular blue skies! For now you are with your comrades in arms (the best of the best). Plus on top of that, you'll be relaxing by skydiving with Mike, Dave and Jerry.
I love ya and I'm gonna miss you something fierce!
Carole, You are his driving force in life. It's clear to all that knew him! You are an amazing woman.
I heard so much in his words in the poem he wrote to you.
I'm a bit younger than you both and sometimes what I know doesn't bring much credibility to the previous generation, but you are NOT without him! Rich surrounds us a lot more than he or anyone else ever would imagine. It's kinda hard not to see it.
I will not pretend to know your grief,
I can only speak for myself.
I just want you to know the man I know.
He loved his family more than any man I can think of.
To me, a true hero!
To me, that is Richie!
Carole Luttrell
November 17, 2010
Rich was my life and my best friend, we were married for 42 years, I just don't know how to live without him.
November 16, 2010
Dear Carole and Family, Linda and I are very sorry we were not at the funeral, it was the day after that we heard about Rich's passing. Somehow our cell phone did not receive the message from Terry. We were so shocked and still cannot believe this.
I will remember Rich as a Fellow Brother,Soldier and Paratrooper. Rich will always be in my Heart and Thoughts.NO SLACK
Robby and Linda Robertson and FAMILY
Monroe,Wisconsin
PLEASE CONTACT US WHEN YOU CAN.
Joyce Thorne Smith
November 15, 2010
Carol and family, I am so sorry for the loss of Richard. He was always a great guy. I grew up with him on Wesley street and remember his family. He was one of my very first crushes. I had met him again at the service for Ron Neff and it was a pleasure to see him again and to see what he had become in life. He will always be remembered for his devotion to the military.
November 13, 2010
Carole and Family: Sorry to hear of Richs passing...my thoughts are with you at this time...Dave Morse
Kyle Douglas
November 12, 2010
Mrs. Luttrell
I am a 7th grade teacher in Indiana. My class had just finished up learning about Mr. Luttrell's story. They were amazed with his heart and service to our country. We were in the process of writing letters to your husband when I saw that he had passed. We in the Anderson Community School Corporation will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Thank You Mr. Luttrell for your service to our country and your example to all young men and women!
November 12, 2010
CAROL
IT WAS ONLY A COUPLE WEEKS AGO THAT RICH CALLED ME ABOUT HOW THE FIRST SEPERATE 101ST REUNION WENT,AND HIS JUMP HE MADE FOR THE REUNION WHICH WAS FROM WHAT I WAS TOLD WAS FANTASTIC.RICH AND I WITH MANY OTHER OF HIS BROTHERS HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH THE 101ST AIRBORNE ASSOCIATION FOR YEARS HE REPRESENTED THE FIRST BRIGADE AS A BOARD OF GOVERNOR,HE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED,HE BROUGHT ALOT OF GREAT JOKES,AND HE WAS A TRUE BROTHER TO SO MANY OF US,IT WAS A HONOR FOR MANY OF US TO KNOW RICH,MANY OF US WIL MISS HIM GREATLY.BRUCE FREDERICK B.O.G
John Squibb
November 12, 2010
Rich and Carole: One of the great personal pleasures of my life was getting to know Rich, but I regret not knowing Carole. I have taught history and political science at Lincoln Land Community College for forty years, since 1970. Included in my teaching assignments was a course on Vietnam, which I created and taught since 1984. A student in an early class told me about Rich and gave me his phone number. I made the call, invited Rich to come talk to my class, and he came for many years afterward. While much of his class presentation focused on the famous Dateline appearance and "the picture" which changed both of your lives, my students ranged far and wide with their questions and Rich answered everything directly and honestly. One of my female students asked Rich about his "obsession" with the tiny picture and the impact it must have had on his wife, and Rich admitted it had a profound impact on both of them. And then he told her how much he loved his wife, and her courage in putting up with him and his "picture" all these years. Then, he broke into tears, which caused many in my class to do the same. My admiration and respect for both you and Rich has only grown over the years. I already miss him as a friend and a valuable classroom resource for my students. We have all lost greatly by his passing. May God bless you Carole and keep the memories fresh and good.
Dr. John Squibb of LLCC
November 12, 2010
Carole, I just read about Rick's passing. I'm sorry for you and your family. God be with you in your time of sorrow. sandy gaffigan
November 11, 2010
If I could have picked my father I would have chosen the one I was given. Richard was the best father a man could be. his daughter Christina Luttrell
Kelly Forestier
November 11, 2010
I'm so sorry and shocked to learn of Rich's passing. I knew Rich only a few months at IDPA, but he taught me some deep and valuable lessons that will last a lifetime. He carried a heavy burden for many years and mostly hid it thinking of others. Rich gave me a copy of his book and signed it when I left IDPA. I just pulled it out last week to re-read it. You will truly be missed, Rich. But you are in God's arms now and you done real good here on earth. Thank you.
November 10, 2010
Carole, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless and keep you and your family.
Jim & Paula Bishop
Paulette Ooton
November 10, 2010
I only found out now that the man I spent my adult life calling "Dad" has left us. I will never forget his kindness, advice, or silly jokes.
Carole and Christina, my love and thoughts are with you, as they usually are, but even more so at this time.
Charlene Brown
November 10, 2010
Chris,
I'm so sorry to hear about your father. Although I only met your dad once, I felt as though I knew him from all the stories you shared with me while we worked together. Your father is a great man who is admired by many, and I know how proud you are of him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Graham Murdock
November 10, 2010
Our sincerest condolences to the family. We shall all meet again.
UNCLE JUNIOR & AUNT SHIRLEY NOYES
November 9, 2010
DEAREST CAROLE.WE,STILL,DON,T KNOW WHAT TO SAY.YOU KNOW THAT WE WOULD BE THERE,IF WE COULD.BUT,MY CLUMSY SELF HAD TO BREAK SOME BONES!IT WILL TAKE A VERY LONG TIME FOR YOU AND THE GIRLS TO FEEL HALF HUMAN.BUT,IT WILL COME.RICHARD HAS,ALWAYS,HAD HIS OWN SPECIAL PLACE IN OUR HEARTS.NOBODY CAN,EVER,TAKE THAT AWAY.HE,IS TRULY,OUR SPECIAL HERO.WE KNOW THAT YOU,TWO,TRAVELED,ALOT AND YOU HAVE ALL THOSE BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES.I KNOW,THAT DON,T MAKE SENSE,NOW.BUT,IT WILL.WE,HAVE SHED MANY TEARS.ARE JUST HOPING HE WILL SAVE A PLACE FOR US WHEN HE GETS WHERE ALL GOOD PEOPLE GO.OUR LOVE TO YOU AND THE FAMILY.
Angela Morse
November 9, 2010
I met Rich at the Bullet Express indoor shooting range. He was a joy to be around and he was a true gentleman. On behalf of the Springfield Tactical Shooters "We Thank you Rich for your service to our country"....you're our Hero and will be missed!
DUDLEY BROWN
November 9, 2010
THIS IS AN OUTSTANDING NCO RICH I REMEMBER YOU WELL AND NOT FORGOTTEN USMC Dudley Brown
Memories never forgotten
David "Hawk" Wayne
November 9, 2010
Rich has begun his "Rendezvous With Destiny" and is paving the way for us all. May god watch over you and your family.
No Slack!
D and E Co's, 2/327th Inf, 101st Abn Div 1968-69
Herb Williams
November 9, 2010
Carole and Family,
I had the honor and privilege of being Rich's Platoon Leader in A/2/327th Airborne Infantry, 1st Brigade (Separate), 101st Airborne Division for several months during the Fall of 1967 in Vietnam. We were walking some dangerous trails in the month of November, 43 years ago. I believe all of us in that unit have been living on "borrowed time" since the year we all spent in that hell hole. I am happy to know that Rich made the most of his "borrowed time" with a good wife and family, many close friends, a successful career, and lots of adventures. He was "one of a kind" - a sensitive, caring man who would do anything for anyone who needed help - and he will be missed and remembered as a true brother in arms. I won't be able to attend Rich's funeral tomorrow, but my thoughts will be with all of you.
Mark Farrell
November 9, 2010
Carol and family, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Rich's passing. I feel deeply honored to have known him even tho our time was short. I will forever hold the memory of him and our jump into the Airborne Memorial in Omaha as a very special jump. Airborne!
November 9, 2010
Carole and Family. We wish to express our sympathy to you in the passing of Richard. We will always remember your time in Bokeelia. Harold and Dorothy Bublitz
James Hunt
November 9, 2010
Rest in Peace my BROTHER IN ARMS , You will be missed very much
Don Hayden
November 9, 2010
I only knew Rich for the last few years as a fellow skydiver jumping out of Taylorville. Rich always had a smile on his face, constantly upbeat attitude, and was always extremely generous. A genuinely great guy. I am proud to say I knew Rich and will miss him - but definitely will never forget him...
Charmian Ling
November 9, 2010
Dear Carole .... I cannot tell you how terribly sorry I am. I have always felt a special bond to you and Rich, ever since that trip to Vietnam. It was Rich's tremendous compassion and willingness to put others first that made that trip possible. Even though it was such a difficult ordeal, he saw it through to the end, and his story impacted millions of people. To this day, when I tell Rich's story, it brings tears to peoples' eyes. His ability to rise above so much pain, and do the right thing, is a tremendous legacy to leave. His loss is devastating, but I know his spirit will live on forever. I'm so sorry I cannot be with you tomorrow, but I will be thinking of you and will light a candle for Rich at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York. With my deepest sympathy ... Charmian
Keith Morrison
November 9, 2010
Richard Luttrell was a hero of mine.
He was deeply human and passionatly humane, with a fine brain, unshakeable courage, unyielding determination, and a heart as welcoming as all mankind. I was proud to report on his life.
And mostly I was lucky to have met him, lucky that he was my friend.
Keith Morrison
November 9, 2010
dearest carole,
truly a gentleman skydiver,proud husband, father, and veteran.
much love, rinne
November 9, 2010
I went to Lanphier with Rich but did not get to really know him until recently as we both lived in Rochester. I read his book. He was truly a fun and amazing person. You and your family are in my prayers. His passing has to leave a spot too large to fill, however, I know you must have a lifetime of wonderful memories.
God Bless
Patricia Gietl
Tracey (Farley) Petropoulos
November 9, 2010
Carol and Family
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I have so many fond memories of Richie, all the crazy times him and dad (John Farley) had together in their younger years. All the fishing adventures and morning get togethers for coffee either and your old house or our house. I still have the paintings he made for me when I was little. He will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gary Peek
November 9, 2010
I last saw Rich a couple months ago when we were doing an exhibition parachute jump. Appropriately, he was flying the American flag into the landing area. I am proud to have known him, and I will miss him.
Hilda Pillers
November 9, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Carole. I didn't know Richard well, but when I retired from Public Aid back in late '91, he gave me a copy of his book, All Her Boys. I still have it.
Wishing you and your family peace.
November 9, 2010
Richard was by far the best man I have ever known. He was a true inspriation and an excellent all around person. We miss him dearly and he will always be in out hearts. I just wish we had more time to spend with him. He was a great role model. Our memories with you will never be forgotten. We miss and love you with all our heart. Love Always and Forever Kaileigh and Adam Luttrell
D Songer
November 9, 2010
I knew Rich through working with him at DPA and through a mutual friend. I am so sorry for your loss.
D.Songer
November 9, 2010
may your family and friends find peace and comfort during their time of loss. donna simpson
Bob Cavanagh
November 9, 2010
RIP, Rich. You sure made me laugh. My condolences to the family.
Angela Gray
November 9, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. Carol, your like a second mother to me and I am so sorry that you, Chris and the girls are hurting. I know in time you will be at peace with all of this. Just think of all the great times your family has had. If you or the girls need anything please call me. Your in my prayers.
November 9, 2010
Sorry for your loss..and sorry we cannot be there during your sad time. Bob 7 Evelyn Goin . Forsyth, Missouri
Jan Chorn
November 9, 2010
Thank you for your service, Mr. Luttrell. Rest in Peace.
Carolyn Evans
November 9, 2010
I'm so sorry for your loss. The veterans was a great comfort to me when I lost my son nearly nineteen years ago. A Gold Star Mother
George Fallon
November 9, 2010
I met Rich in Lincoln, IL at the Veterans for a Change program. He was a true brother and we had a great time together with our fellow Vietnam Vets. Rich didn't get to jump that day because of high winds but he made a lasting impression on everyone there through personality and demeanor alone. He was committed to the POW/MIA cause. He now knows the answers we've all been searching for.
Fair winds and following Seas my Brother... see you at home...
Gunny Fallon
Ashley Schwien
November 8, 2010
My Grandpa was a great person all around. He had the best personality and got a long with everyone. He was so silly and could bring a smile to anyones face. It's not fair that he has ben taken from us. One thing I can say is that he lived a GREAT life. He has done more and experienced more than everyone I know put together. He definately went as a happy man. We all miss him,love him and we will never forget!
Laura Slayton
November 8, 2010
A giving soul. Rich parachuted into the school yard at West Lincoln-Broadwell school in Lincoln, Illinois. He taught little children in the WLB classrooms for several years for "Veterans for a Change". I love Rich and Carol. May angels always sleep on your pillows. Never forgotten sweet, sweet...Rich.
Peggy Campbell
November 8, 2010
To the Luttrell Family
I did not know Richard personally I happen to see the show on Dateline about his Vietnam experience. Being from the that era and having friends lost and known in that war it was so touching to see. After that I happen to see Richard at Camp Butler for the Veterans Day Memorial service and I had to meet him I introduced myself and told him thanks for his service and the show that aired on Dateline.
I was truly grateful that I was able to meet him in person. I will think of him on this Veterans day at Camp Butler and beleive he is in a better place. He was a true American Hero and I wish his family my deepest sympathy and pride.
Brittany Schwien
November 8, 2010
My grandpa was a great man with lots of friends. He is dearly missd and loved forever. This is a very hard time for our family, espeically my grandma, his wife. We love him so much and just want him back, even though we know we can't have him back. To me this is still not real, so when it hits it will hit me hard. Grandpa, make sure you watch over grandma she needs ya
Love Always,
Your Granddaugeter
Brittany Schwien
November 8, 2010
Grandpa was a very great guy with many friends. This is very hard for my family especially my grandmother, his wife. Grandpa, are are missed dearly and loved forever watch over granma she needs ya
Tony Newcomb
November 8, 2010
Carole; I was shocked and very sorry to hear of Rich's passing ! I was close with Rich when I lived there and was with IVLP and we worked a number of projects together before I moved to Kentucky. He's with St Michael and a lot of our fellow airborne brothers now, so hes in good hands and won't be lonesome !
Tony Newcomb
Janelle Clemens
November 8, 2010
Chris - I am very sorry for your loss. I will hold you and your mother in my thoughts.
Pamela Odell-Nalesnik
November 8, 2010
I was stunned and shocked to hear of Rich's death. We grew up together in the John Hay Homes. He will certainly be missed. I'm too far away to attend the services but will certainly remember him in my prayers.
Sherman's
November 8, 2010
Chris and Family,
You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
November 8, 2010
I was very saddened by the passing of Rich, he was a co-worker of mine at IDPA and a great guy, he will most certainly be missed. I remember going to Rich's art show, reading his book, and yes watching Dateline. I say to his family hold on to your memories and he will always be with you. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Karen Golladay
Fred Farley
November 8, 2010
Dear Carol and family,
I was so sorry to hear about Rich's passing. So many of my early memories of my own father I remember Rich and going fishing. He truly was a great man and will be greatly missed. I hope that you and your family can find some peace in remembering his wonderful life. I will keep all of you in my prayers in this difficult time.
doug jackson
November 8, 2010
Rich was a great guy going to miss him. I am really sorry carole
doug jackson
John Ricky Newman
November 8, 2010
Rich and I went into the service at the same time,from Springfield. he was younger than me,but i have known him aii my life.he was small in build,but in life he was a giant.we discussed our Vietnam experience,and was blessed not to die there. He will be missed and I ask GOD to bless his family in their special time of need.
Debra Bruns
November 8, 2010
Rich came to West Lincoln -Broadwell grade school on Veterans Day remembrance, sky diving his way, and was such a good speaker regarding the war. That was a very special thing for him to do and he made an impact on lots of young men and women taking his time to come.
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