David Allen Luttrell

Former Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Natural Resources, David Allen Luttrell, passed away on Saturday, February 29, 2020 – he was fifty-nine years old.

Through his professional accomplishments and his love and devotion to family and friends, Allen left an indelible mark on those around him.  

Allen successfully navigated a career in mining and mining operations that spanned more than thirty-five years and included experience as an underground and surface miner. After working in Harlan County coal, Allen served as a state mining inspector before taking on cabinet level management roles with the Department of Natural Resources in Frankfort. Allen served as the Director of Mine Permits for the Division of Mines and Minerals, the Deputy Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Natural Resources, and was ultimately appointed to the position of Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Natural Resources.    

Allen served within his community as a local football coach for both the Harlan Independent School System and the Harlan County School System, engaging and mentoring the youth of Harlan County for several years.

A 5th degree black belt in Shaolin-Do, Allen was a master instructor and organized demonstrations, educational interactions, and instruction for school districts and youth programs throughout the Commonwealth.

Allen was a member of the Harlan County Mine Rescue Team during his career and continued to devote himself to fostering the safety of those working within the mining industry and to protecting Kentucky’s natural resources throughout his life and career.

Allen successfully oversaw the implementation of complex forest fire protection plans and played a pivotal role in Kentucky’s efforts to reclaim and improve Kentucky’s abandoned mine lands during his tenure as Commissioner of Kentucky’s Department of Natural Resources.

During all of his many professional accomplishments, Allen was joined by his wife, Tammy, whom he loved and cherished. Allen and Tammy were married at a backyard service in Sunshine, Kentucky in 1986. Married for more than 34 years, Allen and Tammy chose to return to Harlan County after their careers in Frankfort, where Allen continued to contribute to the progress of Harlan County mining operations.

Allen was preceded in death by his father, Gurney Luttrell; and two brothers-in-law, Larry Lee and Jimmy Taylor. He is survived by his beloved wife, Tammy; his mother, Carolyn Luttrell; his daughter Jessica Moore and his son, Casey Moore; four grandchildren: Kaden Lyons, Bryson Moore, Brevin Moore, and Andy Moore; three siblings: Gurney Luttrell, Jr., Jeanne Ann Lee, and John Luttrell; his mother-in-law, and father-in-law, June Lee Taylor and James "Pap" Taylor and multiple nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

Allen will be remembered as a loving husband, fierce friend, by his family name of “Big Al”, and for those that knew him best – Luttrell through and through.

Although his mark on this world extended far beyond his Harlan County beginnings, he fought his entire life, both as a public servant and privately, to better his family, his Harlan County home, and its people.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday in the chapel of the Loyall Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2020, in Resthaven Cemetery. His brother, John Luttrell, will be speaking at the cemetery.

Justin Luttrell, Hunter Luttrell, Jeremy Lee, Jonathan Lee, Michael Carwell and Kevin Thomas Lee will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Anderson, Kevin Doan, Rick Jones, Lonnie Burkhart, Joe Daniels, Adam Luttrell, Jared Lee, Kaden Lyons, Bryson Moore, Brevin Moore, Andy Moore, Leo Miller, Robby Taylor and Brady Taylor.

Loyall Funeral Home is in charge of his arrangements.