Gary Austin Lutes

Gary Lutes passed away Sunday, July 14, 2024, at home with his family by his side. He was 86. Gary was born August 9, 1937, in Alpena, Michigan, the eldest of nine children born to the late Guy Austin and June Jeanette (French) Lutes. He graduated from Alpena High School in 1956. During high school, he lettered in basketball and football, was a member of the ski club, and studied Spanish with Mrs. Spain. This class influenced his later decision to work among the Spanish-speaking of South America. Upon graduation Cum Laude, he accepted a regents-alumni scholarship to the University of Michigan, but after one year, transferred to Central Michigan where he graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree. At CMU he lettered in tennis and began to participate wholeheartedly in religious services activities with the Church of Christ. As a result, he went to Michigan Christian College in Rochester, MI, for one year, taking all the Bible, Greek, and church history classes that were offered. There he met the love of his life, Onita McCray. They were married on September 4, 1961, and were blessed with five daughters: Karla, Rita, Rosa, Marilu, and Briana. Three married preachers and two became therapists and family counselors. Gary and Onita celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. His first preaching assignment was in Burlington, Colorado, where he worked for two years. Wanting to do missionary work, Gary and Onita headed to Abilene Christian University where he earned his Master of Science in Ministry and Missions while supporting themselves working three part-time jobs. They subsequently began working with the church in Jacksonville, Florida which sent them to Costa Rica for six months of further language training and then by boat to Santiago, Chile. During 21 years in Chile, he helped establish seven congregations, directed Summer Bible Camps, led tent campaigns all over South America, and directed thousands in Bible Correspondence Courses by mail. In 1970 he drove a new Dodge Maxi-van from Jacksonville to Chile, 9,500 miles, in 26 driving days. Moving back to Michigan in 1995, Gary ministered 16 years with the church in Mt. Pleasant but continued to return to Chile and to Mexico for one to two months, most years. One of his daughters is a missionary in Poland. This occasioned the great opportunity for Gary to preach in Europe. Michigan Christian College bestowed two honors on the Lutes Family over the years: one for the 1st Alumni of the Year Award and the second for Parents of the Year Award. In 2014 Gary and his wife Onita joined the Sojourners. This group travels to help bible camps, children's homes, and colleges and congregations all over the United States. In all, Gary was a minister and missionary for 55 years, retiring from full-time ministry in 2012. He continued to preach, assist with ministerial duties, and officiate at weddings and funerals until his passing. He enjoyed basketball, golf, cards, and playing Wii with his wife. Gary is survived by his beautiful wife Onita; five daughters and four sons-in-law, Karla and Steve Hawkins of Gaylord, Rita Lutes-Pulley of Mt. Pleasant, Rosa and Camilo Chavez of Spring Hill, TN, Marilu and Mirek Bartczak of Wroclaw, Poland, and Briana and Craig Evans of Mt. Juliet, TN; 14 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; siblings, Alan (Karen) Lutes, Joan Hauer and Jill Lutes, all of Alpena, Dennis (Charlene) Lutes of Traverse City, Tim (Kathleen) Lutes of Presque Isle, and Donna (Ron) Franzen and Randy Lutes, both of Mt. Pleasant; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and June Lutes; brother, Stephen Lutes; brother-in-law, Wayne Hauer; sister-in-law, Erin Lutes; son-in-law, David Pulley; and grandson, Joey Pulley. Gary's funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 19, at Church of Christ, 1033 S. Brown St., Mt. Pleasant, with his son-in-law Craig Evans officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow at the church. Gary will be laid to rest in Vernon Township Cemetery near Rosebush. To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence for the family please visit www.CharlesRLux.com.
The Family has requested that in lieu of flowers please send donations to the Midland Church of Christ, 1700 E Patrick Rd., Midland, MI 48642.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of
Gary Austin Lutes, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.