Dr. Harry Luton

Dr. Harry H. Luton, age 88, died Saturday, September 27, 2008. He graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School and the University of Michigan Dental School. During World War II Dr. Luton served in the US Navy and Marine Corps in the Pacific. After World War II he then studied for and received a master's degree in Periodontics from the University of Michigan. He then returned to Grand Rapids and practiced dentistry for over forty years. Dr. Luton was preceded in death by his father, Harry Luton, step-father, Roland Shivel, mother, Henrietta (Berghorst) Shivel and sister, Nancy (Mabel) Williams. He is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Josephine (Johnson) Luton; children, Jane Luton of Washington DC, Harry Luton, Jr. and his wife, Barbara (Newman) of Covington, Louisiana, John Luton of Rockford, Michigan, and Robert Luton and his wife, Jan (Pettit) of Jackson, Michigan; 10 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; nephew, S. Bradford Williams (Connie), niece, Mark Ann Nelson and nephew, Steven Williams (Kim). Dr. Luton lived an engaged and generous life committed to his family, friends, profession and community. He was a member of Grand Rapids Rotary, West Michigan Dental Society, and a past-President of the Michigan Periodontal Society, Grand Rapids Torch Club and Dwight Lydell Chapter of the Izaak Walton League. He was a dedicated outdoorsman, enjoying fishing and hunting. His interests were broad and shared with his family and friends. In recognition of his and his wife's fulfilling life in western Michigan, they donated 155 acres of land near Rockford to Kent County for Luton Park. This park encompasses woodlands, fields, creeks, and marshlands where he and his family enjoyed many happy hours picnicking, hiking, camping and hunting where his family came to share with him his happy joy and wonder in nature and the environment and now gladly share this with the community. A memorial service will be held in the chapel of Clark Retirement (1551 Franklin SE) Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. A private interment will be held at Fairplains Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Clark Foundation of Grand Rapids or the Foundation of Rotary International in Evanston, Illinois in memory of Harry. The family is being served by Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service