Donald Luther Lutes Jr.

Donald L. Lutes, Jr, age 89 of Griffith was called to heaven on March 15, 2025. He proudly graduated in 3-1/2 years from Hammond Technical High School in 1954. When he wasn’t playing sports with his friends, he was a bicycle ice cream vendor. 

After graduation he followed in his father’s footsteps and began his illustrious Inland Steel career. Don was a Union Griever representing the Quality Control Dept for several years before becoming a full-time elected official at USWA Local 1010 in 1976 as Secretary of the Grievance Committee. He became well known for his diligent and tireless efforts to save employees’ jobs and fight for the rights and benefits of active employees as well as retirees.  Don participated in Contract Negotiations in Pittsburgh for several years. In 1987 he broke his back in a freak accident at his son’s college basketball game. The doctors advised him to stay home for 2 months but he was back at the Union Hall in 5 days working with a back brace on.

Don loved playing in Inland Steel Co. sports including bowling, basketball, 16” mushball, but thrived in his role as player/coach for the 12” softball team known as “The Steelworkers” as they won many state and national titles. He was feared as a pitcher for his famous “Don Lutes Skyball” which baffled hitters. His proudest moment was playing long enough to play with both his sons. His favorite sports and hobbies were baseball, harness racing, fishing and loved the casinos and playing poker. He was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Griffith and enjoyed spending time with friends at the Griffith Senior Center.

Don’s biggest life accomplishment was almost 51 years of sobriety and worked closely with A.A. to help people overcome alcohol addiction. He retired in 1996 after 42 years of service at Inland Steel Co.  At his retirement party, he was awarded the “Sagamore of the Wabash” bestowed on him by Governor Evan Bayh for distinguished service to the State. Even after retirement Don continued for 28 years in a voluntary capacity to assist employees in filling out their retirement paperwork. In 2009 he was awarded the “Hammond Tech Appreciation Society Award” for his pride and his 150% effort that had been responsible for his success in life.

He effortlessly helped Surviving Spouses and fought for their benefits and insurance. Don was an instrumental and contributory member of S.O.A.R. (Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees) and in his memory please become a member of S.O.A.R.

Don was preceded in death by his wife Joyce Sabina Lutes, parents Margaret (Frank) Skok and Donald (Lona) Lutes, Sr., his grandparents William and Ida (Wilson) Henson and Luther and Myrtle (Kellogg) Lutes, his sister Judith Kohler, his brother Robert Lutes and his niece Kimberly Kors Mica. 

He is survived by his children: David Lutes, Jeffrey Lutes, Lynda Lutes, Donora (Robert) Gard, his grandchildren: James (Rebecca) Paul, great granddaughter: Addison Paul, mother of his children: Clea Capuzzi McLeod, his sisters: Roberta (Joseph) Kormendy and Karen (Michael) Kors, brother in law: William Kohler, sister in law: Lynn Sabina, special cousins: Carole Lutes Christensen and Dennis Shattuck, honorary son: Edward (Andrea) McLeod, as well as his nieces and nephews: Mitchell (Kimberly) Kormendy, Margo (Scott Wilbur) Wagoner, Michele (late William) Bush, Monica (Rick Avila) Kormendy, Kelly Kors, Craig “Sonny” Kors, Frank (Sherri) Rosing, Michael Kohler, Cort Sabina, Laura (Paul) Banas, Andrew (late Margo) Wiking, Kristin (Michael) Clark, Elizabeth (Patrick) Monahan; and many great nieces/nephews, cousins and many many friends.

Don was a great man and will be missed by many especially his children.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and/or donations may be made to the Griffith Animal Shelter or to the MPN Research Foundation at NORD, Inc. Dept. 5930, P.O. Box 4110, Woburn, MA 01888

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at White Funeral Home located at 912 W Glen Park (45th) Avenue, Griffith, Indiana with Fr. Theodore Mens officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Lawn Cemetery in Schererville.

Friends may meet with the family on Sunday, March 23, 2025, from 2:00pm to 8:00pm with a “Family & Friends Remembrance” at 7:00pm at White Funeral Home.

For more information, please contact White Funeral Home at (219) 924-4100 or visit our website at www.whitefuneralhomeofgriffith.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Luther Lutes Jr., please visit our floral store.