Charles Walter Luthy

Just before making the resolution to stop swearing, Charles (“Chuck”) Luthy passed away

Sunday March 9th after taking his best friend, Charlie, for a run. Born in Kansas City, MO, in

1939, Chuck was the second child of Charles & 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, Wyoming. “As a consequence,” Chuck developed a distain 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/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 that knew Chuck know all too well he was onery, 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 & 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 in Kemmerer, Wyoming, on Saturday March 15th at 2pm at the South

Lincoln Training & Event Center. 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.