A man ever true to his Catholic faith, Luther was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, colleague, and friend. He was an accomplished engineer and oilman. He was a giver of his time and talents to his industry, his church, and his community. He was the keeper of family lore and an animated storyteller. He was quick to greet friends and family with his charming warmth, bright smile, and a twinkle in his eye. Luther loved life.
Above all, Luther was a family man through and through.
Luther was born on March 19, 1938, the adopted only child of Luther and Stella Bartlett. His early years were spent learning the plumbing trade from his Uncle Carl Camplen and playing baseball. He was a talented pitcher. In high school, Luther was blessed to meet the love of his life, Carolyn Sue Smith, when they attended North Dallas HS together. They married on July 28,1956 and welcomed 8 children over the years. Family camping vacations and youth sports were a highlight of those days. Luther often coached any sport his children played. He always stepped up when asked to lead, be it strengthening the umpiring corps or building a football program and fields for Mary Immaculate School.
In his professional life, Luther joined Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) as a co-op student while at Southern Methodist University (SMU). Post graduation, he was hired into the research and development group for drilling. He became a pioneer in drilling optimization and blowout control, earning many patents and awards. His recommendations became the industry standard and led to the creation of blowout schools at Louisiana State University, Oklahoma State University and University of California Long Beach. His expertise eventually took him to Alaska where he led the team that drilled the discovery well for ARCO at Prudhoe Bay, the largest oil field in North America. After 27 years with ARCO, he helped start up Chief Petroleum Company in the early 1990s. He is a past committee chair for the American Petroleum Institute (API), a distinguished member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and was active in the American Association of Drilling Contractors group (AAODC).
Outside of work, Luther put his mechanical engineering skills into building, fixing, and tinkering of all sorts. He and Sue, his wife of 68 years, loved to camp and travel. He loved to play golf and go fishing. He was happiest spending time with family and proud to note the clan has 99 members (and counting). He believed great faith in God, honesty, character, and hard work would serve you well in life and he instilled that belief in all of his family who survive him, including:
Wife Sue Bartlett and children Cindy Matthews (Jim), Debbie Welborne (Dan), Donna Listi (Sam), Rick Bartlett (Kim), Jeff Bartlett (Dee), Chris Bartlett (Lisa), Kim Gilmore (Paul), and Tim Bartlett (Elizabeth).
Grandchildren Jason Matthews (Shea), Jarrad Matthews (Jane), Jennifer DeWolfe (Brent), James Matthews (My), Ami Phillips (Josh), Cara Leonard (Scott), Stefanie Sprague (Mike), Lori Welborne, Dana Hartensteiner (Danny), Melissa Carrier (Christian), Steven Listi (Lyly), Kristin Barner (Steven), Eric Bartlett, Lindsay Fulton (Conner), Claire Kipp (Lane), Matthew Bartlett (Carissa), Alex Bartlett, Ryan Bartlett (Abby), Ashley Vega (Eric), Breanna Gilmore, Cailey Gilmore, Devyn Gilmore, Henry Bartlett, Theodore Bartlett and Charles Bartlett
Great Grandchildren Reise & Rori Matthews; Jericho, Julia & Jada Matthews; Audrey, Alyssa, Nate, Jessica & Callie DeWolfe; Lucas & Everly Matthews; Nate & Luke Phillips & Kaitlynn Mai; Hannah, Asher & Corbynn Leonard; Easton, Aiden, Emerson & Keaton Sprague; Avery & Briley Hartensteiner; Audrey & Keegan Carrier; Savannah, Brayden & Emma Listi; Brooks Barner; Jenna & Allie Kipp; Grace & Banner Bartlett; and Elijah Vega.
Luther is predeceased by his great granddaughter, Alaina Josephine Carrier.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth--3 John 1:4
A Memorial Mass for Luther will take place on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 2:00pm at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church located at 2800 Valwood Pkwy Farmers Branch Tx, 75234
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