Christopher Dennis Lutes

Christopher Dennis Lutes, age 45, passed away on January 3, 2026, while out running with friends and his wife on the Bonneville Shoreline Trails that he loved so dearly. He was born on September 13, 1980, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is the son of the late Ret. CMSgt Gerald Dennis Lutes and Theresa Lutes. His early life was spent on Little Rock Air Force Base. Here you would find him out in the woods building a fort, engaging in some shenanigans at the Youth Center, or honing his skill as the baby brother by not making the same mistakes as his older siblings and never doing anything wrong. At 10 years old, his family relocated to Alaska. Here he developed several best friends through more shenanigans at the Youth Center, driving dirt bikes out in the woods, or bowling.

Chris believed running wasn’t about speed or distance, but about showing up together. Chris encouraged strong runners, first-timers, comeback runners, and those who simply needed to learn that running is never really about fitness, endurance, speed or shoes. Chris rarely went at his own pace, and typically chose instead to run beside others, with an open smile, LOTS of conversation and a steady pace. Chris would not leave anyone behind, physically on the trail or emotionally in life. No matter where he lived, it’s who he was. Chris showed up and supported his veteran brothers and sisters with a passion and still made time to do the same for everyone in the many communities he was a part of, from Alaska to Wisconsin, and most recently right here in Utah. And of course, if you showed up for a run, not only would you hear some of Chris’s stories, you would also see him taking endless photos of everyone to share with them. The only thing that ever stopped Chris from taking photos was running out of storage on his phone.

Chris always had a story to tell or philosophy to discuss. Chris was never short on words, keeping many entertained for hours. He was even able to fill the silences while running uphill for hours on end to everyone’s amazement.

Chris’s love for art was shown to all he loved. Whether it be designing a shirt for an event, bringing imaginative creative worlds to life for his nephews and niece, painting a hockey helmet design, creating a personal painting, designing records and whiskey bottle labels with beautiful art, or, most admirably, his artful way of framing every conversation and connecting with his community. Chris was passionate about every art form and loved to give his artwork to others in his life. Chris never felt he could give enough.

Above all else, Chris’s most cherished role was loving Jessie. Jessie was Chris’s heart, compass and constant. Every word spoken of her was one of pure love, admiration and respect. In a life defined by generosity and movement, Jessie was always at the focus of his mind and every finish line led back to her. Everyone could always tell how deeply Chris loved Jessie.

Chris served his country in the US Airforce for three years. He loved working at the youth center in Alaska and making an impact so early in so many children’s lives by going above and beyond to make the youth center more than just a building, but a place to explore new interests and feel supported. In Wisconsin, Chris was heavily involved in RWB and took great pride in his ability to support veterans as the chapter captain. He diligently and loyally worked for the VA for the past 8 years continuing to help veterans in every way he could.

Chris’s legacy lives on in all of us by remembering to treat others better than we expect to be treated. Be like Chris: let people know you love them, show up for others, and make sure no one is left behind.

In addition to his mother, Theresa Lutes, Chris is survived by his cherished wife, Jessie Nixon; sister, Kathy and Jody Mosby of Conway, Arkansas; his brother, Tony Lutes and sister in law, Jessica Stow and nephew Chandler Lutes of Valdez, Alaska; his brother, Stephen Lutes; godmother, Georgia Smith; aunt Debbie Herzog; mother in law, Peggy Andersen; sister and brother in law, Anna and Chris Curnes, niece Arianna Curnes and nephew, Quinnten Curnes. He is also survived by his beloved, mischievous, tortilla chip loving felines, Conan and Odysseus.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Gear 30 at 1931 Washington Blvd, Ogden, Utah on January 11, 2026, from 1-4 pm. All are invited and welcome. A church service will be held at St. James Catholic Church at 495 N Harrison Blvd, Ogden, UT 84404 on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the trail dedication and other events in the works to honor Chris. Checks may be addressed to TFNU and sent to 1716 Whispering Oaks Drive, Ogden, UT 84403 or contact any family member for Venmo information.