Kevin Charles Lutes

He was born on April 22, 1967, in Springfield, IL, the son of Charles D. and Beverly (Scott) Lutes. Kevin graduated from Southeast High School in 1985.

Kevin was a fun, loving guy with a big personality. He was always checking in on his family and friends through Facebook.

Baseball was Kevin’s favorite pastime. His love of the game started early rooting for Lou Brock and the Cardinals. A ball game was a daily event when he was running with the South Douglas hooligans in his boyhood. He went on to play for the Lincoln Cab baseball team, where he got his nickname “Luter”. His best playing memories were made on this team. He played in a men's fastpitch softball league, as well as many recreational leagues at the Brown Bomber and Four Seasons Sports Bar. He also played several seasons in an Adult Baseball League.

Kevin bowled in the Sportsmans League at Strike ‘N Spare East. He bowled his cherished perfect game in 2002. He also liked to play a round of golf with his buddies. Kevin also rooted for the St. Louis Blues Hockey Team, and was ecstatic to see them win the Stanley Cup. His football teams the Jets and Raiders let him down regularly. Last but not least, Kevin loved open wheel racing. The World of Outlaws Steve Kinser was his favorite retired driver and he was discovering his current favorite Rico Abreu.

Kevin started his work career in fast food but soon scored the most coveted job of every Gen X heavy metal rock n’ roller, JR’s Music Shop at the mall, his favorite job by far. He loved reminiscing about concerts he saw and the bands he met. His favorite band was Iron Maiden. “Up the irons!” Kevin loved to share his music with the world, whether you wanted to hear it or not. Turn up...the radio! He went on to be a truck driver.

Kevin’s greatest love was being a Dad to his daughter, Lily. He embraced being a Girl Dad. He would always take time to make up fun stories while playing Barbies and house with her. Oftentimes, he would take her and her best friend to the circus or Chuck E. Cheese to play games, laugh, and make fond memories that would be remembered for years to come. There never was anything he wasn’t willing to do for the sake of his daughter’s comfort.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and good girl, Rosie.

Kevin is survived by his daughter, Lily Ann Lutes; ex-wife, Mary “Shelly” Lutes; beloved dog, Birdie; and several aunts, uncles, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.

Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home - Springfield, with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating.

Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to: American Heart Association at www.heart.org or American Cancer Society at cancer.org/dignitymemorial