Richard L. Luther, Jr, (RL, Dick) age 100 years plus 6 days, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 18, 2023, with his family by his side. He was born in Wheeling, LA to Richard Lee Luther, Sr, and Minnie Kieffer. Until his death, he was counted as one of the last few remaining Winn Parish (LA) born WWII veterans; he served his country proudly as an Army Combat Engineer in the US and the European Theater from 1943-46. He was a resident of Baton Rouge and Walker, LA for more than 65 years. He was the owner of Luther’s Barber Shop in Twin Cedars Shopping Center (later Bocage Village), retiring at the age of 85 only because “he wanted to”. He loved his family and was a God-fearing man never missing an opportunity to witness for the Lord. He prayed fervently for family members and for those whom God placed in his path. As a lay pastor he shared the Gospel in churches and at Angola Prison. He was a 50+ year member of Gideons International and actively placed thousands of Bibles in schools/hotels during his tenure. He was a faithful member of the Cross Truth Church, Satsuma, LA shepherded by Pastor Wayne Mack who will be conducting the funeral service.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Audie Nadine Tilton, brothers Willard, Burnell and James Luther and survived by one brother, Thomas Ezra Luther. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Donnie Mary McDonald, with whom his children were born: Myra Dianne Luther Miller (Marvin), Norma Nadine Luther Mann (Mickey) and John Vernon Luther.
Two families were blended by marriage when God brought Marie Lovett Wesley and son Jeffery L. Wesley (presently married to Cindy), into his family over 49 years ago. Grandchildren from both marriages include Brent Marvin Miller (Susan), Regan Renee Miller Reier (Tim), Micah John Luther, Marshall Brennan Luther (Janice), Jennifer Wesley Welborn (Wade), Katie Wesley Guessfeld (Dustin), Nathan and Beau Horton, and David Horton (deceased).
Great-grandchildren include Victoria Reier Fortenberry (Matt); John Christian Reier; Amelia Grace Welborn; Lola Marie and Boston Grey Guessfeld; Konnor Weiss; Jeremiah Ruff (Amanda) and their children: great-great grands Ashley Noel, Scott, Amara, Jaden and Elise.
Pallbearers: Micah and Marshall Luther, Wade Welborn, Dustin Guessfeld, Clint Lovett and Ian Elliott.
Honorary Pallbearers: Brent Miller, John Christian Reier, Elmo Lovett, Jr, Jimmy Lovett, Melvin Bourque, and Terry Long
A special thanks to Life Source Hospice staff for the loving care and prayers given to Richard and his family by Administrator Michele Browning; Registered Nurse Lorraine Crifasi; Hospice Chaplains Cedric Murphy and Hardie Midkiff; Social Service Staff Brittany Grant; Nursing Aides Laura Burton and Joanie Wells; and Marketer Travis D’Aquilla.
Visitation will be held at Revival Temple Church (Main Sanctuary, behind the old church) 28521 Walker South Rd, Walker, LA on Monday, January 23, 2023, from 9am-12 noon with service following. Interment to follow at Palmetto Cemetery on Burgess Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Gideons International www.gideons.org/donate or to Rancho Louisiana Ministries, 1474 West Price Road, Suite 7 No. 416, Brownsville, Texas 78520.
We are so sorry for your loss. I know you were proud of the man he was.
Mr. Luther was a Gideon friend of my dad, Vernon Dixon. He cut our whole family’s hair for many years – including my grandfather. We would often all randomly meet up at the Barbershop on Saturdays. Mr. Luther was always so kind to us as children and we dearly loved him- especially when he gave us a penny for the gum all machine after our haircut. I still remember him combing my pixie cut when done and turning that chair around to the mirror. He was a very precious man. Susan Dixon and Verna Dixon Fletcher.
Thank you for sharing that sweet memory. Sincerely, Nadine Luther Mann
May the passing of Richard L. Luther bring peace to his family and friends.
Sincerely,
Nanette Lamothe
A few years ago I had the good fortune to accompany RL and his first cousin, my Dad, Roy Mitchell on a chartered flight of World War II veterans to Washington DC to visit the WWII Memorial. There were over 100 veterans on that plane,all in their 80’s and 90’s, but everyone of them were excited to go. It was as if they were 18 year old GI’s again. DC rolled out the red carpet for them including police escorted touring bus. They were treated like the heros they were and you could tell they felt it That is a memory I will always cherish
Alan R Mitchell
Thank you for that sweet memory that you shared. Sincerely, Nadine Luther Mann
On behalf of the entire staff at Life Source Hospice, please accept our condolences on the loss of your loved one. Our hearts are moved with compassion for you and your family. May the peace and comfort of God be with you all during this time of bereavement.
Pastor Ray Smith
Bereavement Coordinator
Thank you for your note of condolence. Nadine Luther Mann