John McCluen Lutes

John McCluen Lutes of Trumansburg passed away peacefully at his home on July 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 74.

He was born on August 7, 1950, in Ithaca, New York, a son of the late Elgie and Phyllis (Clock) Lutes. John's educational journey began at the Trumansburg School District, graduating in 1968 from Charles O. Dickerson High School. He continued to pursue his passion for learning at Marshall University, where he graduated in 1972. At Marshall, John was a member of the cherished Marshall Football team before deciding to follow his heart into baseball. He carried a heavy heart due to the tragic loss of his teammates in the 1970 Marshall University plane crash, a memory he forever held. Marshall meant so much to John that he was always seen wearing Kelly Green.

John devoted over 40 years of his life to teaching in West Virginia and New York, retiring from Geneva High School. His contributions to the community extended beyond the classroom. He was a proud baseball umpire for an impressive 47 years and took great joy in coaching numerous sports, touching the lives of many young athletes throughout his career. An avid outdoorsman, John found great happiness in hunting, fishing, trapping, gardening, and camping.

He is survived by his three children; Tonya Lutes, Clint (Sebastien) Lutes, and Justin (Katelyn) Lutes; his grandchildren, Laney Jude and Lydia Elizabeth Lutes; and his brother, David Lutes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Terry "Skip" Lutes.

A Graveside Service to honor his life will be held at Grove Cemetery in Trumansburg, New York, on July 26, 2025, beginning at 1:00pm.

The family asks those that would like to make a contribution in John's memory to kindly consider the Ithaca Umpire Association.