David Marquis Lutz II

enjoying one of his favorite activities—riding his bicycle with his dear friend and

fellow cyclist Tim Elliott early on a Sunday morning. David was born in

Springfield, Illinois, on December 13, 1953, to his parents, David and Helen Lutz.

Always a delight to his parents, friends, and extended family, he grew up,

graduating from Springfield High School in 1971 and from SMU with a BBA

degree in 1975. In 1985, David married the love of his life Amanda Needham in

Kansas City, and their beloved daughter Antonella Irene was born on March 18,

1998 in Omak, Washington.

Following graduation, David spent over a year traveling the globe from

Europe, Greece, India, the Middle East, Thailand, New Zealand, and Australia,

meeting and making life-long friends along the way. This love of travel and

adventure is what David shared and passed onto his daughter. David and Ella

shared their first hike while she napped in a Baby Bjorn. This love of the outdoors

continued as the family moved across the United States. More recently, David and

Ella shared time with visits to Marfa, the Davis Mountains, Big Bend National

Park and San Antonio.

David’s career after college was in the railroad shipping and transportation

field, taking him to East Texas, Missouri, Tennessee, California, Washington State,

Georgia, and finally to Texas, sharing his wisdom and expertise, splendid example,

matchless sense of humor, and radiant charm everywhere he went. He retired from

Temple and Central Texas Railway Company in 2021. David was enjoying

retirement and travel, reuniting with his many friends and family across the

country until his life was sadly and suddenly cut short.

David is survived by his loving wife Amanda, his dear daughter Ella, and his

beloved dog Jonas. Loved ones include his brother Jim Lutz and wife Colleen, his

brother-in-law John Needham and wife Susie, his brother-in-law George Needham

and husband Paul, his sister-in-law Emilie Needham, and many much loved nieces,

nephews and extended family.

To honor David, who loved any gathering of family and friends, please raise

a glass of bourbon (neat) or local craft beer, and tell a tasteless joke.

Please send any memories, stories and anecdotes about David, and we know

there are many, to the family’s email, home address, or leave a memory below. In

lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local area food bank. A

celebration of life will be planned in the future when we are able to safely gather.

Arrangements by Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes (512) 452-8811;

dignitymemorial.com.