Celebrating the life of
Captain Thomas Channing Lutton, USCG, Retired
June 03, 1933 - September 27, 2021
You could never meet a kinder, more caring, and interesting man than Tom. He will be very missed by his family and friends. We all rejoice in the inspiring life he shared with all of us
Captain Thomas Channing Lutton, USGC, Retired, 88, passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021 with his family at his bedside.
Tom was born in Detroit, MI to the late Robert Dale and Laura Snyder Lutton. The Lutton family moved to Coral Gables, FL where Tom was a 1951 graduate of Coral Gables High School.
A 1955 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy, Tom was first assigned to the icebreaker EASTWIND where he participated in Arctic Dew Line construction and Antarctic Deepfreeze operations with Admiral Byrd. He entered basic flight training at Pensacola, Florida, in 1956. On completion of advanced flight training in 1957, he was assigned as a search and rescue pilot at the Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles, Washington. Following a three-year assignment to the Air Station al Barbers Point, Hawaii, in 1963, he entered the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, in the Aviation Electronics Engineering curriculum. On completion of postgraduate training and a one-year tour at the Coast Guard Air Station, Elizabeth City, North Carolina, he was assigned Chief of the Avionics Branch, Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, D.C. While assigned in the Washington area, he was awarded a master’s degree in Engineering Administration by the George Washington University. In 1970, he was directed to develop and head the Coast Guard's investigation of hovercraft as Commanding Officer, Air Cushion Vehicle Evaluation Unit, San Francisco, California. Following a three-year assignment as Executive Officer, Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii, he assumed Command of the Coast Guard Air Station, Borinquen, Puerto Rico. Captain Lutton served as Chief, Quality Assurance Division and the Chief, Systems Technology Division, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters from 1977 to 1981. He then served as Chief, Atlantic Area Operations Division prior to becoming Deputy Commander, Atlantic Area and Chief of Staff, Maritime Defense Zone Atlantic. Tom retired as USCG Captain in 1985 after serving more than 34 years.
Tom loved God, his wife and children and was a man of service all his life. A constant learner, Tom held three master’s degrees along with his doctorate. He hiked parts of the Appalachian Trail and Everglades along with several biking adventures. He was seen daily walking his dog Bailey or riding his bike.
After retirement, Tom earned his PhD in Education Administration from Columbia University, NY. He then taught at Buckley School, NY for seven years before moving to Florida and marrying Barbara McGee Nelson. He and Babs were active members of Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vera, FL. They were also active members of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Clarksville, VA; St. Francis in the Field, Ponte Vedra, FL; Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Augustine, FL; and St Cyprian's Episcopal Church, St. Augustine, FL.
In 1999, the church sent them as Appointed Episcopal Missionaries to Kenya, Africa where they served for three years. Tom taught mathematics at Daystar University before he and Babs restored St. Julian's Retreat Center in Limuru, Kenya.
In 2020, Tom and Babs settled at The Landings on Skidaway Island, GA where they joined and became active members of St. Peter's Episcopal Church.
In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Gertrude “Trudye” Lutton and a son, Lowell Lutton. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, Barbara; children, Christopher Lutton (Amy), Todd Lutton (Patty), Debora Jamicky (Tom), Kristen Nelson (Eric), and Erik Nelson; brother, Steve Lutton (Joan); 13 grandchildren, four great-grandsons, and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, The Landings, Skidaway Island. Burial with full military honors will be in Arlington National Cemetery.
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Dear Babs and Family, Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. What a blessing Tom was in our lives and to Episcopal Relief & Development. Tom was such an accomplished person and a wonderful Christian who served God in so many ways. Love and Hugs, Jack and Sandy
- Jack & Sandy Tull, St. Augustine, FL
Barbara, I'm so sorry for your loss. I was reminded when you were a Turtleback neighbor and you sat next to this "interesting" man on the plane. Enjoyed hearing about the love story that ensued and your continuing adventures. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Kay
- Kay Henderson, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
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Hi Barbara and family, We attended a gathering at Christ Church this evening and many there remembered you and Tom at Discovery Weekend and Cursillo and then how you were called to do missionary work. What a beautiful love story, what a caring couple, and what an accomplished man. We have thought of you often since your days at Christ church and are happy that you have had a wonderful life together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Jim and Jeri Rogers, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Babs and family, I am so sorry for your loss. But what a life well lived!
- Meredeth D Mann, St Augustine, FL
Babs, Christopher, Todd, and the rest of the Family so sorry to hear of Tom’s death. He certainly was a very special man. The world will miss his wonderful smile, great attitude, and sharp mind. He was a love. We will miss him. The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
- Bob & Susan Cowperthwaite , St. Augustine , Fl
Babs Jackie & I share our condolences to you and your family on Tom's passing. Will always remember Tom and his outspoken and candid comments at our VSG Meetings, never holding back but always with that touch of sense of humor and "spice"...never held back! I remember him "temper" when I mistook the Coast Guard anthem for the Air Force at one of our Lua's...that will never happen again! A great guy, and already we miss him. Babs we love you and always loved your man! J&B Then there was this Coast Guard hero...walking his dog along North Legacy
- J&B Cassidy, Saint Augustine, Florida
Babs, Ann and I are sorry to hear about Tom's passing. We owe you and Tom a great debt for introducing us to a wonderful religious community. Tom will always be in our memories and you and your family are in our prayers. David and Ann McGuinness
- David and Ann McGuinness , Annapolis , MD
Babs and Family, Phil and I had the privilege of being with Tom every Saturday morning at 9am for our Cursillo Meeting at St. Peter's and after Phil and Tom and the Gang met, we would drive him home to his Babs. He was charming and so interesting to listen to and so kind. Though we have only known him a about a year he will never be forgotten. He and Babs loved each other so much and they sat in the pew in front of us we witnessed there love first hand. My heartfelt sympathies are with you all as he sings and dancers with the angels. Love Susan and Phil
- Phil and Susan Snyder, Savannah, Ga.
Babs and Family. So very sorry to hear about the passing of Tom. He was such a interesting person to know. We were blessed to have you all as neighbors for so many years. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Kenny and Sue Mueller, St. Augustine, Fl.
- Kenneth Mueller, st. augustine, FL
Babs and Family: You and your family will be in my prayers during this trying time.My time knowing Tom was far too short but also completely rewarding. I first met Tom through our Cursillo Reunion Group where we shared our love in Christ. Tom and I shared another bond; we were both members of the fraternity of Aviators, trained in Pensacola, but moving in different directions, Coast Guard and Navy. Both these bonds, opened communications between us with the spirt of Christ. I will not forget Tom and will always remember our time together.
- Tom Gissendanner, Savannah, GA
Dear Babs, We hold you close in our thoughts and know that you are surrounded by love and compassion. People like Tom are truly rare and we know that he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Bob and I are thankful to have been a part of your lives and to have shared wonderful experiences like: New Year's Eve at Hammock Beach, Bocce Ball ("The Longshots") League at Cascades, etc. Bob and I send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Take care of you! With sympathy, Susan and Bob
- Susan and Bob Ott, St. Augustine, FL
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Dear Babs & Lutton family, you are in my prayers during this difficult time. I feel so lucky to have met "Grandpa Tom" at Dale and my college graduation. I am honored to have become part of this wonderful family. with love, Hanna
- Hanna Cooper Lutton , Coronado, CA
Bans, Tom was a wonderful classmate, friend and member of our CGA family. Over 68 years after we entered the Academy our bonds and love remained strong. We will miss him.
- Ralph eustis, Buzzards bay, Ma
Captain Lutton was my Commanding Officer at the ACV Evaluation Unit, Ft Point, San Francisco, CA. He was an amazing, leader, Christian, and Human Being. He attended my wedding, we played tennis together even though I was enlisted and he an officer. After I left the CG I visited him in Hawaii my respect for him only grew over the years. I Became a better person because of Captain Lutton. Blessings To His Family.
- Brian, Pebble Beach, CA
My deepest heartfelt condolences
- Judith Otele , Nairobi , Kenya
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Memorial Service
- 2:00 p.m. on Sat, October 23, 2021
- St. Peter's Episcopal Church
-
3 W. Ridge Road (map)
Savannah GA 31411