Rodney Tabor Lutes

Rodney Tabor Lutes, 54, of Blytheville, died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, in his home.

Born March 31, 1960, in Houma, Louisiana, to the late Charles Russell and Carolyn Vieth Lutes, Rodney spent his childhood living abroad in Kuwait, Iran, Norway, England and Egypt. While in high school at the Cairo American College in Cairo, Egypt, he spent his days climbing the Great Pyramids of Giza, and swimming and snorkeling in the Red Sea at Sharma El Sheik. Following graduation, he attended Arkansas State University where he played football as a field goal kicker. Rodney kept active playing softball and golfing. He loved to entertain his family and friends with wonderful dinners and backyard barbecues. Rodney was a passionate animal lover. His dogs were very devoted to him and would smother him with kisses upon his arrival home.

He leaves his brother, Charles Russell "Rusty" Lutes and wife, Nell, of Blytheville;

His former wife, Dollie Hughes of Blytheville; and

His stepsons, Dillon Gilbow of Chicago and Jacob Gilbow of Blytheville.

A celebration of Rodney's life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Mike Wey officiating. Visitation will be from noon-1:30 p.m.

Cobb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Humane Society of Blytheville.