Family, Friends Say Goodbye to Fallen Ankeny Crossing Guard

In a small and intimate ceremony, family and friends gathered Monday to say goodbye with laughter and sorrow for the loss of an Ankeny man who gave his life for others.

The funeral for 78-year-old Franklyn “Frank” Luttrell was held at on Monday morning. Luttrell died last Thursday at the intersection of First and School streets in Ankeny.

“None of us know for sure how many days we have on this earth,” Father Steve Orr said during the ceremony. “But we are here today to celebrate (Frank’s) life, his life on this earth.”

Many people young and old attended Luttrell’s funeral, including and several of , who attended the funeral clad in their bright, reflective vests.

Orr recalled the day Luttrell and his wife, Deanna, first became members of the OLIH congregation. The couple was married 51 years ago.

“His first day here, he got up and read with conviction, power and life,” Orr said. “You couldn’t help but take note and listen to what he had to say.”

Orr also called Luttrell “a protector.” Aside from his job as a crossing guard, Luttrell had served as a United States Marine and a police officer in Dallas, Texas. 

“His greatest (role as a protector) was he was able to stand on that corner and protect his kids,” Orr said.

Luttrell also was a magician, Orr said. He was recently named to the Order of Merlin Excalibur in recognition of his 50 years supporting the International Brotherhood of Magicians.

His wife would participate in his magic as well, Orr said.

“Deanna has been cut in half more times than you can possibly imagine,” Orr said, his story eliciting laughter from the crowd.

His greatest magic, though, was his love of people.

“He just loved people and touched their lives in so many ways,” Orr said.

Family members were not prepared for Luttrell’s death, Orr said, and he asked them to lean on each other and on their friends for support during this difficult time.

“Little did we know that morning this tragedy would happen,” Orr said. “Know you have very many friends out there who will support you.”

Luttrell was cremated and his funeral concluded with the playing of Taps. Members of the Marine Corps presented the American flag to his family.

“This will be a big change for his family,” Orr said. “It will not always be easy, but they should know they have a family in this parish and in this community.”