Donald Stacey Tutt

Donald S. Tutt passed away February 12 at John Knox Village, Orange City, due to complications from lung cancer. A service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, DeLand, March 1, at 2:00.

Don was born March 3, 1945, to Irving and Betty Tutt, living in North Miami, Florida. After graduating from Edison High School in Miami, and attending Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, he joined the Navy being stationed in the Aleutian Islands followed by serving in London, England.

Don’s passion was working with youth. Professionally he dedicated 35 years teaching at Southwestern Middle School in DeLand as a Geography teacher and Media Specialist. He enjoyed the family feeling of the staff and students at Southwestern often staying hours after school to help with special events and always ready to chaperone student trips to Washington, D.C., for school related studies.

Don’s commitment to serving others extended to his church, First Presbyterian Church of Deland. As a devoted member, he served as an Elder and Deacon enjoying summer youth mission trips as a chaperone. One of his favorite activities was parking his cooker at the church and spending hours cooking at an annual Youth Fundraiser, lovingly named Tutt’s Butts Bar-B-Q Pork Dinner.

Don many interests included painting houses, photography, gardening, planting olive trees, mat making ministry, Tai Chi for balance and caring for his cows, pigs and chickens. He loved helping friends wherever he was needed, never met a stranger and always saw the good in everyone.

Don’s main love was his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Patricia ; their daughter, Stacey Tutt Gray and her husband, Luther, of Lexington, Massachusetts; their son, David Tutt, and his wife, Michelle of DeLeon Springs, Florida; and grandchildren Arlo Gray, Samantha Tutt and Ryan Tutt.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Youth Program of First Presbyterian Church of DeLand.