Donald Curry Lutken Jr.

Born in Natchez on August 18, 1951, he graduated from Murrah High School in 1969 and the University of Southern Mississippi in 1975. He began his lifelong career in the oil and gas industry with Ergon, Inc., followed by Mustang Fuel, Endevco, Inc., and Amerada Hess, before retiring from Energy Transfer Partners in 2018.

Through the years, Mr. Lutken was active in various professional and community service organizations, including the Rotary Club, the second class of Leadership Jackson, the NEJSO soccer organization, coaching and serving on the board of directors there, the Capital City Petroleum Club, the Andrew Jackson Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and the Alaska Pipeline. He also served as President of the Second Baptist School Fine Arts Board. He was a member of Second Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, and worshipped at Pine Lake Church for the past few years.

Donald was an avid hunter, fisherman, private pilot (having built and flown his own plane), and cattle rancher who somehow managed to turn his cows into pets. They followed him all over the ranch and often gathered in front of the porch "talking" to him.

He was married for 53 years to his high school sweetheart, the former Nell Inda Breed. They were blessed with four wonderful children: Donald Curry Lutken, III; John "Jack" Breed Lutken (Lee Ann); Christian Randolph Lutken (Ann); and Lucie Ellen Lutken Ramsey (Richard). They were also blessed with eight precious grandchildren—Mary Kathryn Lutken O'Bryant (Josh), Ella Rose Lutken, Lucie Batson Lutken, Kinlee Adele Lutken, Christian Randolph Lutken, Jr., Richard Owen Ramsey, Jr., Leila Rose Ramsey, and Mary Elizabeth "Millie" Ramsey—as well as two step-grandchildren, Clayton and Kilby, all of whom brought so much love and joy to their "Bubba."

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melissa Turner and Donald Lutken; sisters Melissa Newcomb, Isabel Eggart, Lucie Morgan; and niece Katie Morgan. Mr. Lutken is survived by his brother, Edwin Poteat Lutken (Gayle), and eight nephews.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and support staff at St. Dominic's Hospital, The Blake at Flowood, and the Vital Care Hospice team for their compassionate care during Donald's final days and extends their heartfelt gratitude to Parkway Funeral Services for their kindness and helpfulness.