Obituary for LaJeanne Luker
LaJeanne Vick (Smith) Luker, 88, passed from this earthly life Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at
University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.
LaJeanne was born on August 24, 1931, in Steele, Missouri, the daughter of Oscar Lensdy and Mildred Joyce (Vick) Smith and spent her early life in Caruthersville, Missouri. When LaJeanne was in 9th grade, the family moved to Portageville, Missouri, and while attending school, met the love of her life, Marlin Luker. The two eloped to Tunica, Mississippi, and were married on November 6, 1948. They spent 67 years united in marriage before he preceded her in death on June 11, 2016.
Upon graduation from Portageville High School, LaJeanne joined Marlin as he traveled with the U.S. Navy, living in such places as: Memphis, Tennessee, Pensacola, Florida, and Norfolk, Virginia. After Marlin finished his tour with the U.S. Navy, the couple moved to Jefferson City, Missouri, where Marlin joined the Missouri State Highway Patrol in 1958, and LaJeanne worked as a bookkeeper for the Construction Industry Laborers Welfare Fund. Upon retirement, they moved from Jefferson City and built a home in Hickory Hill, Missouri, where they entertained family and friends for many years.
LaJeanne had many hobbies throughout her life. She loved to travel, so she and Marlin
purchased an RV, and traveled the United States with friends, while also enjoying several cruises. She was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, and Kansas City Chiefs, and she never missed listening to, or viewing, a game. She was a voracious reader, especially of mysteries, a gardener, and a Rummy card shark. Guided by her deep love of family, she delighted in her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
LaJeanne is survived by her four children: Dale and Emily Luker of Rocheport, Missouri; Debbie and Tom Horton of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Lynne Luker Bateman of Holts Summit, Missouri; John Luker of Jefferson City, Missouri; five grandchildren, Jessica and David Beasley, Drew Horton, Jennifer Luker and Rob Schierbaum, Matt and Briana Luker, and Julie and Brandon Houston; five great grandchildren, Calvin Beasley, Ivy Beasley, Violet Beasley, Jaida Houston, and Ella Houston; and her beloved sister, Jerry Lynne Zohner.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lensdy and Mildred Smith, and her husband of
almost 70 years, Marlin Luker.
A private, graveside service will be held for the family at Hickory Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers or cards, memorial contributions are suggested to the United Way of Central Missouri or The Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society (MASTERS).
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.
www.freemanmortuary.com
University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.
LaJeanne was born on August 24, 1931, in Steele, Missouri, the daughter of Oscar Lensdy and Mildred Joyce (Vick) Smith and spent her early life in Caruthersville, Missouri. When LaJeanne was in 9th grade, the family moved to Portageville, Missouri, and while attending school, met the love of her life, Marlin Luker. The two eloped to Tunica, Mississippi, and were married on November 6, 1948. They spent 67 years united in marriage before he preceded her in death on June 11, 2016.
Upon graduation from Portageville High School, LaJeanne joined Marlin as he traveled with the U.S. Navy, living in such places as: Memphis, Tennessee, Pensacola, Florida, and Norfolk, Virginia. After Marlin finished his tour with the U.S. Navy, the couple moved to Jefferson City, Missouri, where Marlin joined the Missouri State Highway Patrol in 1958, and LaJeanne worked as a bookkeeper for the Construction Industry Laborers Welfare Fund. Upon retirement, they moved from Jefferson City and built a home in Hickory Hill, Missouri, where they entertained family and friends for many years.
LaJeanne had many hobbies throughout her life. She loved to travel, so she and Marlin
purchased an RV, and traveled the United States with friends, while also enjoying several cruises. She was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, and Kansas City Chiefs, and she never missed listening to, or viewing, a game. She was a voracious reader, especially of mysteries, a gardener, and a Rummy card shark. Guided by her deep love of family, she delighted in her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
LaJeanne is survived by her four children: Dale and Emily Luker of Rocheport, Missouri; Debbie and Tom Horton of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Lynne Luker Bateman of Holts Summit, Missouri; John Luker of Jefferson City, Missouri; five grandchildren, Jessica and David Beasley, Drew Horton, Jennifer Luker and Rob Schierbaum, Matt and Briana Luker, and Julie and Brandon Houston; five great grandchildren, Calvin Beasley, Ivy Beasley, Violet Beasley, Jaida Houston, and Ella Houston; and her beloved sister, Jerry Lynne Zohner.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lensdy and Mildred Smith, and her husband of
almost 70 years, Marlin Luker.
A private, graveside service will be held for the family at Hickory Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers or cards, memorial contributions are suggested to the United Way of Central Missouri or The Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society (MASTERS).
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.
www.freemanmortuary.com