Raymond H. Lutz

1930 - 2025

Raymond H. Lutz

Oct 16, 1930 - Aug 24, 2025

Raymond H. Lutz passed away peacefully on August 24,2025 in Tulsa, OK. He was 94 years of age, a life well lived. Born in Denver, CO. in 1930, Ray moved with his family to San Diego in 1944. He began his aviation career very early by working for flying time at a local airport and soloing on his 16th birthday. He obtained his private pilot's license at 17, and commercial license at 18. He fought in the Korean war in the USAF, and in 1953 was assigned to fly a Republic F-84G as a fighter pilot. Post war, when assigned to Misawa Air Base in Japan, he met his wife Fayne Lutz. They later married in 1955 in Oklahoma City after returning to the U.S. and resided wherever Ray's career as a TWA Captain took them. In 1970 Ray and Fayne purchased a cabin retreat in Eagle Nest and moved to their home in Taos, New Mexico where they put down strong community roots, owning various businesses including an art gallery and Antonio's Bar in the historic Plaza de Taos. Fayne was most known for her food column in the Taos News, her cookbooks, and involvement in countless Taos organizations. She passed in 2008. In 2012, Ray became reacquainted with long-time friend Lois McMillan from Bristow, Oklahoma. They subsequently became beloved friends and partners. In 2017, Ray and Lois began sharing an apartment at Covenant Living at Inverness in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they resided together until his passing. Lois is known for her generous contributions to the Bristow Public Library and her local community in Bristow, OK. Ray logged more than 24,000 flight hours in his 50 years of flying and promoted and supported aviation related projects his entire life. He owned and flew his own privately held Cessna P-210 and Beech Baron 58 Aircraft from 1963 to 1996. He served on the National Aeronautics Association Contest and Records Board for 13 years, and observed for the NAA numerous World Class Aviation Records being set. He assisted his longtime friend and TWA copilot, Lyle Shelton set the official piston engine aeroplane speed record of 528.31 mph in his highly modified Gruman F8F Bearcat, the "Rare Bear." Ray attended the Reno Air Races for many years to support Lyle where the "Rare Bear" gained fame and won five Gold Championships. Ray is survived by Lois McMillan and her family, his nephews David, Neal and Ken Arnett, his niece Mari Arnett and cousin Carolyn Martine. Services and remembrance gathering will be held at Covenant Living at Inverness in Tulsa, 3800 West 71st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74132 on Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 2 pm to 4 pm. His remains will be interred at the Ft. Bayard National Cemetery in New Mexico with military honors. Condolences may be left online at www.matherlyfuneralhomes.com