Cletus “Clete” Joseph Lutz Jr., 66, of St. Clair, MO passed away on Saturday May 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on March 2, 1960, in Jefferson City, MO to the late Cletus and Bessie (Sundermeyer) Lutz Sr.

On June 6, 1981, he was married to Miss Norma J. Ritchey, this union was blessed with three amazing daughters.

Clete was employed by Bi-State Development in St. Louis as a radio technician for many years. He was a member of the Route 66 Corvette Club and served as a Deacon at St. Clair Southern Baptist Church. Clete dedicated a large portion of his time to taking care of his flowers, especially the Bougainvillea, he liked fishing, working on chainsaws and maintaining his fish aquariums at home. He was also a member of the Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief Organization; he was always ready to help those in need. His loving commitment to others will be missed.

He is survived by his loving wife Norma (Ritchey) Lutz of St. Clair, three daughters Amy (Wes Jackson) Lutz of Russellville, AR., Katie (Jared) Whited of California, MO., and Leslie Lutz of Hermitage, MO., grandchildren Jetta, Charlee, Stella, Sadie, Kali, Nehemiah, Micah, Deliah, Oona, Titus, Addison and Kyliee, brother of Tony Lutz of Mexico, MO., Pat Lutz of Dixon, MO., and Rick Lutz of McGirk, MO., father-in-law Martin Ritchey of Springfield, MO., brother-in-law of Debbie Brusherd of Springfield, MO., Ron Ritchey of Buffalo, MO., and Cheryl Mathiesen of Henley, MO., and Diane Nilges of Henley, MO. Dear uncle, great uncle and friend to many.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law Jean Ritchey, sister-in-law Julie Ritchey and brother-in-law Tim Ritchey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to St. Clair Southern Baptist Church, 405 Park Drive, St. Clair, MO 63077 636-629-0612