John Paul Lukeman

LUKEMAN John Paul Lukeman, of Columbus, Ohio, age 89, died July 23rd, 2008, at home. He was born March 5, 1919, in Franklin, Illinois, where he spent the early part of his life, attending Franklin High School and Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois. John served his country as a Navy pilot during World War II, flying PBM Mariners and PBY Catalinas with duty in Saipan, Tinian, Guam and other islands in the Pacific Theatre. He retired several years ago as the President of the Henry Boat Company, manufacturer of Skiff Craft Boats, of which he was very proud. He was a long-time member of St. Brendan's Church. He enjoyed his associations and many friends at the Vanderbilt Club and the Audubon Country Club in Naples, Florida, and the Catfish Row Investment Club in Columbus. John was an avid Ohio State fan, rarely missing a home football game for more than 60 years, braving the elements at the Snow Bowl in 1950 and livening many tailgate celebrations with family and friends every fall. He is a survived by his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Gloria (Gardner) Lukeman; by his sons, John and Paul (Val) Lukeman of Columbus; his grandson, Jay Lukeman of Seattle, Washington; his granddaughters, Claire, Kate and Jill Lukeman of Columbus; his brother, Albert Lukeman of Gull Lake, Michigan; and his sisters, Polly Turner of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mary Morris of Auburn, Illinois, and Martha Lukeman of Ocala, Florida. He was preceded in death by his sisters Elre McCollister of White Hall, Illinois and Eloise Benson of Tulsa, Oklahoma. John leaves many cousins, nephews and nieces of whom he was very fond, including five nephews with whom he was particularly close, Rick (Sandy) Baird of Dublin, John (Sue) Baird of San Jose, California, Jeff Baird of Columbus, John Benson of Naples, Florida and Ronnie (Diane) Turner of Tulsa, Oklahoma. A special thanks from the family to Jana Holler, a wonderful friend to John and his family during John's final days. Friends may call at the SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Brendan The Navigator Catholic Church, 4475 Dublin Road, Hilliard at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2008. Interment at Wesley Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Illinois College, Advancement Office, 1101 West College Avenue, Jacksonville, IL 62650. Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries