Robert J. Robbie Lutes, age 52, of Mercer, passed away unexpectedly in the Cancer Center of America, the afternoon of August 31, 2017 in Zion, Illinois. Born February 26, 1965 in New Castle, he was the son of Ernest R. and Diana Ambrose Lutes. He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Francine Vanazia Lutes, whom he married December 2, 2000. A 1987 graduate of Union High School, Robbie was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps where he served for 5 years in Beirut and Lebanon. Mr. Lutes was a Pennsylvania State Trooper until 2010. After his retirement he was employed as a county detective with the drug task force and an intelligence officer for the Lawrence County Jail for 7 years. Robbie was a football coach for both Kennedy Catholic and Union High School. He was an avid hunter, loved auctions and fishing, and enjoyed decorating for Christmas, his favorite holiday. He was of Catholic faith and a former member of St. Vitus and St. Lucys Church. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Adrianna Lutes and Mya Lutes of Mercer; one step-son, Robbie Abraham Lutes of Mercer; one brother, Nick Lutes of New Castle; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gerald and Anna Dailey; and his companions, his three dogs, Titan, Buddy and T. He was preceded in death by his parents and both of his maternal and paternal grandparents. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle. A procession will leave the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday for a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Vincent de Paul at 11:00 a.m. with Father Frank Almade officiating. Burial will be in St. Lucys Cemetery where the New Castle Honor Guard will perform military rites. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Online condolences may be offered at www.cunninghamfh.com.