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Charles Lutes Obituary

Lutes, Charles F. (89)
Born October 23, 1912, of Scottsdale, Arizona, who ascended this life peacefully at home on December 7th, has reunited with his predeceased wife Helen Stewart Lutes. Charles Lutes, who often stated that he had the best father anyone could ask for, is survived by his sister Catherine, niece Linda Sanders, and an extended family of thousands around the world who loved him dearly for his divine wisdom and inspiration. Charles F. Lutes, who was known simply as "Charlie" was a great spiritual leader who had the unique honor of being the right-hand man to His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. For years he traveled nearly every country around the world with the Maharishi, laying the organizational foundations to introduce Transcendental Meditation to spiritually regenerate the world. He then served Maharishi selflessly for over 50 years lecturing about spirituality, and working with his wife, guiding people in their spiritual unfoldement. He was a leader among leaders, a man of God, who touched many hearts. A plaque given to Charlie on his 77th birthday says it best, "To Charlie with our heartfelt gratitude for your continuous and patient spiritual guidance. By revealing the highest wisdom and always being there for each one of us, you have become our mentor, father, brother and truest friend. Our path to enlightenment has become infinitely brighter by your illumined presence. We lovingly salute the divinity in you and thank you for your inspiration, devotion and dedication." A great spiritual leader has left us in body, but his spirit lives on in our hearts as a continuing guiding light towards God. Charlie, we all love you so dearly! We miss you, Charlie! (Charlie asked to be cremated and have his ashes spread over a large body of water.)

To plant trees in memory, please visit theĀ Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Dec. 16, 2001.

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Aaron Jeffers

July 24, 2025

I drove from M. I. U.in 1991 when I was a freshman in college.
I went alone and drove all the way to Iowa City to hear your lecture.
I already knew your name from my parents.

Rochelle Macredie

February 19, 2025

Rochelle Macredie - You were a trailblazer Charles and you had a profound influence for the betterment of the human race!

Roy Kamen

July 30, 2023

A totally selfless person, who spent his life helping others in ways that only a true visionary could. Along with his loving wife Helen, his lectures at the Spiritual Regeneration Movement building in West LA was my go-to place every Friday night, for over 10 years. I feel blessed to have been there (and spoke to him after the lectures, along with others who couldn“t get enough of his wit and knowledge).

Brad Mohr

May 13, 2020

e was a great and powerful inspiration to me since I first met him almost 52 years ago. I often think about what he would say about current events.

John Mears

October 11, 2017

A very important spiritual teacher for me.

Craig and Linda Shupe

December 25, 2001

Charlie's presence will be with us and our family forever. He has changed our lives in many ways, the most important of which was showing us and helping us to stay on the path to God, Almighty Father. His frienship and love was an example of what everyone should aspire towards. We will miss him. We will always love him. God Bless Charlie.

Joseph Davida

December 24, 2001

Words are noise when it comes to givings thanks to

one as great as Charlie. Someday, someplace, I will

be in that State from which I can rightly and properly

offer a song and a prayer of gratitude.

Ruth Collier

December 19, 2001

Love and gratitude for thirty four

years of loving guidance and wise

counse.

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