Bob Lutes

Robert Lutes, 89, of New Paris, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Waterford Crossing, Goshen.

Robert was born on Dec. 18, 1935, in St. Joseph County, to Orville R. and Louise I. (Vail) Lutes, and on Dec. 31, 1953, he married Florence Louise Hixson. They were married 70 years when she preceded him in death on Dec. 1, 2023.

A lifetime rural resident of the New Paris area, Bob began farming in 1954, raising crops and beef feeder cattle. He was one of the first farmers in Elkhart County to have irrigation in his fields and won several awards for corn yields. He was recognized as an outstanding young farmer of the area. In 1967, Bob’s father retired from full-time farming, and the two began farming together, continuing with the beef feeder cattle operation and crops. At this time, Bob began working full time for Rock Builders as a skilled brick mason. He worked in construction, farming before and after work, until his retirement in 1997. Florence and Bob moved to the family farm in 1980 and were eventually recognized as owners of an Elkhart County Centennial Farm and a Hoosier Homestead Farm.

During retirement, Bob and Florence wintered in Venice, Fla. He served as a board director for their community, Curry Cove. He was always ready for a shark’s tooth hunt, eagle watch or bicycle ride with their many visitors.

Raised in the New Paris Methodist Church, he taught Sunday school, served as trustee and participated in mission trips to Jamaica and storm relief areas. During his retirement years, he was active with the men’s fellowship at Nokomis-Venice United Methodist Church and also attended Grace United Methodist Church in Venice. His faith was an important part of his life, and he began each day with his Bible and devotions.

A community steward, servant and quiet leader, he was always ready to help a friend or stranger any time of day. Bob enjoyed each person he met and never forgot a face. A charter member of the New Paris Lions Club, he worked alongside Lions members and community volunteers to build Sunnyside Park. In 2004, he was honored with the Lions International Melvin Jones Fellowship award for significant service to his community. He also received a 70-year membership award in 2024.

His true passion was flying and all things aviation. He earned his private pilot license in 1968. Bob was always ready for an airplane ride and would take anyone who wanted to go with him. His favorite flight was in his Cub in the early morning or just before dusk, flying low and slow, enjoying the beauty of God’s earth. His love of flying was instrumental in family members choosing aviation as a career. In addition to his private pilot license, he held a seaplane rating. In 2017, he was honored with the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. Over the years, he joined others in bringing air shows to the Goshen Airport and volunteered for aviation events in Venice. He was a member of the Nappanee EAA Chapter. Lunch with fellow pilots at Goshen Airport was one of his favorite things. He was an enthusiastic member of the Venice Lunch Bunch, joining fellow pilots on Thursdays, flying to different airports across the state of Florida for lunch.

He and Florence were active members of the International Flying Farmers, both serving in various leadership capacities throughout the years. Bob served as an international officer, culminating as president of IFF in 1994-1995.

His lifelong interest in farming led to many friendships and social activities. He was well-known for sharing sweet corn, tomatoes and pumpkins. Bob was a member of the Northern Indiana Johnny Poppers and actively served on the Elkhart County Agriculture Society board. A member of FFA and 4-H as a youth, he continued to support and encourage family and friends in their projects throughout his life.

In 2024, he was elected to the position of director emeritus of NP Tech (formerly New Paris Telephone) after nearly 50 years on the board of directors, where he served as a director and was elected board secretary-treasurer in 1986.

Bob is survived by his three children, Ralph (Melba) Lutes, Shipshewana, Mary Ann (Dale) Holderman, New Paris, and Richard “Rick” (Amy) Lutes, Hampshire, Ill.; two granddaughters, Tina (Ken) Martin and Stacy Lutes; two great-grandchildren, Audrianna and Derrick Martin; a sister, M. Sue Neff, Goshen; a sister-in-law, Linda (Roger) Hollinger; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; and a sister, Phyllis Feaster.

Visitation will be held from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, July 27, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen. There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the funeral service at 10 a.m. Monday, July 28, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.

Burial will follow in Milford Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the New Paris Lions Club or to Grace United Methodist Church, New Paris.