Vernon Louis Lutes, age 93 of Tryon, Nebraska, went home to be with his Savior and Lord on October 15, 2016, at Pioneer Memorial Rest Home in Mullen, where he lived since May 2, 2016. Vernon was born March 20, 1923, to Louis D. and R. Ernestine (Hanna) Lutes at their home in southern Thomas County. He lived with his family in Thomas, Arthur, Cheyenne, and Logan Counties in NE. He was the second of 13 children, (the oldest son), so learned to work very early in life. He drove a team of work horses at a young age and was most comfortable on the back of a good horse. He ranched with his father and brothers, and later his son-in-law and grandson. He broke horses and worked for ranchers in the Stapleton-Thedford community.
Vernon attended various grade schools, graduating from the 8th grade with high honors from Logan County schools. He chose not to attend high school.
Vernon served his country in the Army from March 21, 1946, until September of 1947. He was stationed in the southeastern part of the USA. He married the love of his life, Pauline (Pat) Tiffany on June 27, 1948. To this union three children were born, Maynard Eldon, Connie Ann, and Karen Kay. He and Pat celebrated 65 years of marriage before her death in 2014.
Vernon and Pat moved to McPherson Co. NE, in 1951, from his parents’ place in Logan County. He owned 2 places, one near Miller Cemetery and the other 12 miles N. of Tryon. He was a dedicated and hard-working rancher, loving every part of the work. He was able to continue ranching with his son-in-law and grandson until he was in his 90’s. Ranching and his family were his life.
Vernon came to know Jesus as his personal Savior and Lord at a revival service as a child. He was an active member of Hall Church of rural McPherson Co. NE and was on the church board for years. He was Sunday School Superintendent and taught the adult class also. He played a big part in Bethel Bible Camp, first at Sutherland and later at Wellfleet, being a member of the board. While his health permitted, he never missed a “work day” at church or camp.
Vernon learned to play guitar and sang and played for many “parties” and later with his wife and children. He and Pat sang for many occasions. Vernon was a very friendly person, never knowing a stranger and helping anyone in need. Everyone he knew was a friend. He was a wonderful loving Dad and Granddad.
Vernon loved to hunt deer and coyotes. He rode along on deer hunting trips after he was 92. He had coyote hounds and was a successful hunter for years.
Survivors include his children: Maynard (Susie) Lutes of Decatur, IL, Connie (Gerald) Pascetti of Hayden, CO, and Karen (Dennis) Licking of Tryon, NE; 12 grandchildren, Shelli (Robert) Smart, Julie (Jeff) Smothers, Brad (Heather) Lutes, Stephanie (Robert) Coins, Nicole Lutes, Matthew Miner, Christopher Miner, Amy Miner, George (Anna) Licking, Liz (Eric) Dennis, Anna Licking (Brady Allison), and Ruth Licking; 7 great-grandchildren, Adam Smart, Katie (Camden) Broderick, Madison Smart, Kurt Shipman, Jordan Coins, Jacob Miner, AraLeigh Licking; brothers and sister-in-law, Joyce Lutes, Alice Lutes, Loren (Janis) Lutes, Inez (Jim) Fattig, Phoebe (Frank) Martin, Olive (Stan) Gurney, Esther (Tom) Harmon, Doris Tiffany and Dean Thompson, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Vernon was preceded in death by his wife, Pat on January 29, 2014; parents, Louis and Ernestine Lutes, father and mother-in-law, Clifford and Zina Tiffany; son-in-law, Gary Miner, daughter-in-law, Robin Lutes, brothers and sister-in-law Flora Connell, Ernest and June Lutes, Susan and Alfred Shimmin, Nathan Lutes, Stephen Lutes, Martin Lutes, Keith Lutes, Lurene and Robert Zentz, Wayne Tiffany, and Doris Thompson.
A memorial has been established to missionary work and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 22, 2016, at Ringgold Free Methodist Church with Revs. John Lewis, Jonathan Martino, and James Paine officiating. Burial will follow at Lone Star Cemetery, north of Ringgold with military honors. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. Thursday, October 20, 2016 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home. There will be a visitation 4 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Friday, October 21, 2016 at Ringgold Free Methodist Church with the family present from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
A three-vehicle crash just east of Minatare in Scotts Bluff County on Tuesday evening claimed one life and sent another person to the hospital.
North Platte – It was “Sophomore Night” at the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on Tuesday night, and the Lady Knights sophomores helped propel the North Platte Community College Lady Knights volleyball team to a victory over Region IX Division II opponent Southeast Community College Lady Storm in straight sets: 25-13, 25-16, and 25-22. 
