Irvin Luker

IRVIN K. LUKER

Irvin Kenneth Luker, age 95, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2009, at the home of his daughter, Ramona Watson, in Smithfield, Utah.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to all, Irvin was born in Bountiful, Utah, on March 1, 1914, the son of William and Charlotte Ann Littlewood Luker. He had two brothers, William and Howard, and five sisters, Marie Clough, Mabel Armitage, Florence Bain, Irene Henderson, all of whom are deceased, and Deane Knoles, who survives him and lives in Lehi, Utah.

Irvin lived his whole life in the northwest section of Salt Lake City, where he served for 15 years in the Bishopric of the 29th Ward, and then in the Riverside Stake Presidency for 10 years. He worked as a watch repairman at Daynes Jewelry in downtown Salt Lake for 19 years, and then opened his own business, Rose Park Jewelry, on 500 North in 1959.

He was very involved in civic and political activities throughout his life, and had a particular concern for moral issues confronting this country. He spent the last 33 years of his life doing all he could to protect the lives of unborn babies.

Irvin married Afton Reid on Sept. 8, 1937, in the Salt Lake Temple. She preceded him in death in 2002. He is survived by their eight children: Leone George Medley; Irvin Kenneth, Jr. Linda; Jerold Ernest Lynn; Gordon William Marlene; Ramona John Watson; Roy Douglas Ellen; Mary Elva Randy Holt; and LaDawn Steven McNeal. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Elna Luker and Rachel Nelson, 38 grandchildren and 78 great-grandchildren.

His many descendants will always remember Grandpa?s ready sense of humor, his ?airplane rides? and paper boat races on the river, as well as his wise counsel and insightful analysis of world events. He and Afton set a great example of Christian service to their community and loved ones. This legacy will be cherished by the entire family.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Monday, November 9, 2009 in the Riverside Stake Center, 1148 W 500 North, Salt Lake City, UT. Viewing Sunday evening, November 8, 2009 at the Russon Mortuary, 241 S 200 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 5:30 to 7:30, and again at the Stake Center prior to the funeral on Monday morning from 10:00 until 11:30. Online condolences at www.russonmortuary.com

The family expresses deep gratitude to Hospice of Utah for their loving, tender care of their father, and to all the CNA?s from Sunshine Terrace who provided much-needed respite care to the family, and with whom he enjoyed laughing and sharing his Cheetos. In lieu of flowers Grandpa says to do something good for someone else. ?Touched you last, Grandpa!?