Charles Preston Lutes, 69, of Ruston, Louisiana, went to heaven on April 9, 2026, in his hometown. He was born on December 13, 1956, in Ruston, Louisiana.
He was a graduate of Cedar Creek School, Class of 1974, and Louisiana Tech University. Preston began his career in radio, working with several stations across North Louisiana. He contributed to morning broadcasts on K104 as a DJ, delivered hourly news, and supported sports broadcasting efforts. From 1990 to 1994, he served as a color analyst for Ouachita High School. He later served as Program Director at KMLB with The Radio People.
Preston chose to begin a second career after discovering a new passion for athletics through sports medicine. A lifelong resident of North Louisiana, Preston dedicated his career to serving others as an athletic trainer. He was deeply passionate about the health, well-being, and development of students, spending many years investing in young people—encouraging them, strengthening them, and helping them reach their full potential both on and off the field. His work was more than a profession; it was a calling rooted in care and commitment. Preston would have been honored this year as a 20-year member of the Louisiana Athletic Trainers Association (LATA).
He also had the opportunity to travel for a season with the Harlem Globetrotters—an experience he greatly cherished and often shared with others.
Preston had recently begun his latest adventure, applying his athletic training knowledge to the industrial world as a member of the medical team at the META facility in Richland Parish. He was genuinely excited about this new opportunity and the team he had joined.
Above all, Preston was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He found great joy in cheering on his grandchildren in their athletic and academic pursuits and cherished every moment spent with them.
Preston was preceded in death by his parents, Dallas Denver Lutes and Myldred Merlene Sellers Lutes, and his brother, Edward Lutes.
He is survived by his sister, Margaret Anne Slade (Jeff); his daughters, Lori Elizabeth Seacrist (Philip) and Lindsay Kristina Gouedy (Joe); his grandchildren, Jayden (Lizz), Shelby, Dallas, Audrey, and Rory; his great-grandchild, Bryar; his nephew, Jonathan; his niece, Sara; and his longtime partner, Janet Francois, who shared his life and brought him great joy.
Preston will be remembered for his steady presence, his servant’s heart, and his unwavering dedication to his family and community. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and in the family he loved so deeply.
A visitation will be held Monday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Ruston. A service to celebrate Preston’s life will be held Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Ruston, followed by a graveside service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.
For those unable to attend in person, the service may be viewed online at http://firstruston.online.church/.
Pallbearers will be Paul Williamson, Chris Brister, Steve Pye, Rob Knepper, Mike Downhour, Brian Rockett, Lance Champagne, and Bryan Ockman. Honorary pallbearers will be Philip Seacrist, Joe Gouedy, Jayden Gouedy, Dallas Gouedy, and Rory Gouedy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cedar Creek Athletics (https://www.cedarcreekschool.org/donate) or to the LATA Foundation, 12500 Old Hammond Hwy, Unit N1, Baton Rouge, LA 70816. Please reference “Memorial for Preston Lutes”.
