Just before making the resolution to stop swearing, Charles “Chuck” Luthy passed away Sunday, March 9, after taking his best friend, Charlie, for a run. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1939, Chuck was the second child of Charles and Maye Luthy. He was always proud of his stubborn, hardheaded Czech/Bohunk heritage.
Chuck was called to military service… Well, to repeat the story as was told by Chuck, he received his Draft Card in the mail which read: “Congratulations, your family and neighbors have volunteered you for the Draft…” … to which he responded, “Those a--holes.”
He did, however, enjoy his time spent in the Army, often remarking that it straightened him out and set him on a good course. His role as a combat engineer brought him all the way to Germany and gave him the opportunity to work on constructing Bailey bridges.
Later, Chuck married Sharon, and they left the big city to move out west and set down roots in “Sparkle City”/Kemmerer. “As a consequence,” Chuck developed a disdain for cold, wind and snow.
A very genuine character, it wasn’t long before Chuck was renowned throughout the town. Initially, he was a math and shop teacher but later started his construction company: Charles Luthy Builders.
Chuck had a huge hand in building up the community — not only in the many houses and buildings he constructed but also in his active involvement serving as mayor of Kemmerer and a school board member.
Chuck was one-of-a-kind and talented in so many ways. He was one heck of a great cook; you never left his house without a full belly. You may have been fortunate enough to sample his famous cookies. After years of perfecting the recipes, Chuck made THE BEST snickerdoodles and chocolate chip butterscotch cookies.
As a craftsman and woodworker, Chuck was highly skilled. His creativity could turn an ordinary block of wood into something truly beautiful and special. When it came to his work, he was a perfectionist. If a board wasn’t cut correctly, he made sure to vocally express his frustration.
He had an undeniable talent for cussing. Anyone who had the privilege to work with or near Chuck at some point was treated to a symphony of profanity that could make a sailor blush. Beneath his grumpy exterior, however, beat a heart of gold.
He went out of his way to help others. It would be impossible to calculate the number of times Chuck did a favor for people throughout the years. His generosity knew no limits. He never hesitated to give freely of his time, talents, knowledge and resources.
Chuck led an active life right to the end. Despite having his legs crushed when he was a young man (which resulted in his signature shuffle) and the wear and tear of hard work through the years, Chuck never stopped moving.
At 86 years old, he was still up at the crack of dawn working on a project. Most recently, he had been building a house … a gift for his grandchildren. He possessed incredible strength both physically and mentally. He had a sharp mind, quick wit and was fiercely independent.
Those of us who knew Chuck know all too well he was ornery, brutally honest, had a temper, and should have considered wearing suspenders more often, but we also know he was one hell of a good man.
Chuck has left a lasting impact in the lives of so many. It’ll be hard not to see him driving down the road in his old Chevy truck with Charlie sitting shotgun. He was very much loved and will be deeply missed.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Maye Luthy; sister, Annette Davis; son, Ken Luthy; son-in-law, Justin King; and grandson, Hayden King.
He is survived by his ex-wife, Sharon Luthy; niece, Anne Langholz; daughters, Kim King, Kelly Larsen and Katie Moody; sons-in-law, Wes Moody and Bryan Larsen; grandchildren, Aston King, Karsten King, Beatrice Larsen, Lily Larsen, Milo Larsen, Ahnya Moody, Maye Moody, Frank Moody and Joe Moody; and his dog, Charlie.
A memorial will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, at the South Lincoln Training & Event Center in Kemmerer. A celebration of life will happen at a later date this summer. At that time, Chuck’s ashes will be scattered to travel nearly as far and wide as his tools.
