Obituary of Robert Luker

Robert William Luker (Bob) died October 11, 2015, at home. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dianne Beene Luker; two sons, John Robert Luker (Kara) of Orange County, CA and Joel Alan Luker (Allison) of Jacksonville, FL; six grandchildren, Madison Elizabeth Luker, Ethan Robert Luker, Wyatt Forbes Luker, Reese Allison Luker, Chase William Luker, and Seaman Cole Traveler Gustavson; sister, Betty Hardeman (Bob) of Alabama, and brother Ira Luker (Kathryn) of Florida.

Mr. Luker was born in Clay County, AL, April 7, 1938 and grew up in Glencoe, AL. He graduated from Glencoe High School and earned a BS degree in Business from Jacksonville State University in Alabama where he was a member of the ROTC. After college, Mr. Luker served as an officer in the US Army and retired as a Captain in the US Army Reserves.

After working with Sears and Boeing in Alabama, Mr. Luker moved to Jacksonville in 1969 to work with Blue Cross Blue Shield where he was employed for the next 31 years. While working at Blue Cross Blue Shield he completed a second BS degree in Computer Science at Jones College.

Mr. Luker was an active member of First Baptist Church of Jacksonville for 46 years and served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher and on various committees. He loved coaching his sons in various sports, woodworking and gospel music. He enjoyed family vacations and time spent with his large extended family. You rarely walked away from Mr. Luker without a good laugh as he always had a good joke to share.

Services will be held Friday, October 16, 2015 in the Hobson Auditorium of First Baptist Church Jacksonville, Downtown Campus. Visitation is at 10am and the service follows at 11am. Family Graveside service and internment will be at Arlington Park Cemetery.

Robert and Dianne are long time supporters of Missionary Judy Russell's ministry in the Philippines. Memorials in honor of Mr. Luker may be made to her work through Living New Ministries, PO BOX 6308, Jacksonville, FL 32236.