Submitted by: Dan Rich

Melvin L. Lutes

June 21, 1925 - Feb. 29, 2008

South Bend Tribune 3/2/2008
GRANGER - Melvin L. Lutes, 82, of Granger, died Friday, February 29, 2008, in Memorial Hospital. He was born in LaPorte on June 21, 1925, to Helen (Brown) Lane and Harmon Arthur Lane, and was raised by his adoptive parents, Cloyce and Mabel (Wise) Lutes, all having preceded him in death.

Melvin married the former Anita J. Kendall in Mishawaka on May 15, 1949. She survives along with a son, Steve Lutes of Granger; three daughters, Linda (James) Hallagan of Bloomington, IN, Nanette (Kenneth) Pigaga of Ridgewood, NJ, Bettina DePew of Garrett, IN; and seven grandchildren, Ty, Zack, Caitlin, Cailee, Anna, Conor and Ian; and a great-granddaughter, Marisa. One surviving brother, Homer (Emily) Kapua of Blue Ridge, GA, and a half brother, Clet Kapua of Blairsville, GA. He was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Cathy Lutes on October 26, 2006; and two half sisters, Helen Kelly and Estella Barbare. Melvin graduated from Washington-Clay High School, class of 1943. He was a sales representative for Nestlé and retired in 1994.

He served his country with General Patton's Third Army during World War II as part of the American forces that liberated Buchenwald, where he drove an ambulance in the Medic Corps and was discharged in 1946. He was transferred to Inactive Duty Reserve and served in that capacity until June 21, 1985. Mel, as he was known among family and friends, will always be remembered for his wry sense of humor. While some have hobbies, he was the ultimate collector. His collections centered around the arts and entertainment, while his foremost passion was music. His acquisition of record albums began as a young man, and ran the gamut of classical to big band to pop, standards and especially movie scores. Mel loved Broadway and saw many shows in New York and their traveling counterparts in South Bend. Of course, he always purchased the program and/or musical score to add to his collection. He could provide correct answers to almost any question pertaining to television programs or movies, as he was well versed in both mediums.

One of the highlights of Mel's life occurred in 1995 when he was reunited with a man who was raised separately from him. This man is now called Homer Kapua, although at birth his name was registered as Harmon Arthur Lane. Mel's name was different at birth as well. Before he was adopted his name was James Melvin Lane. These two men were full brothers, and had been separated when Mel was an infant, and his brother only three years old. They joyously reunited after being separated 70 years. Mel was fortunate to have met his biological mother and three half siblings that year as well.

Friends may visit with the family today, March 2, in Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 N. Main St., from 2 to 5 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 1 p.m. Monday, with Rev. Ervin Mize officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park in Granger. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph County Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637; or to the American Cancer Society, 535 W. Edison, Unit #6, Mishawaka, IN 46545.