Frank Luster

Legendary athlete, coach, and educator Frank H. Luster of Ardmore, OK passed on December 12, 2010. Luster received numerous accolades for work and contributions to the community. He received the Ardmore City Schools Teacher of the Year Award in 1978, induction into the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame in 1983, and Langston University Distinguished Alumni Award in 1988. Luster was the first African-American to coach the Oklahoma North and South All State football game. A 1941 OKC Douglass High School graduate, Luster completed Langston University with a degree in Biology. While attending LU, he was a three-sport letterman and played center for the infamous Langston team that defeated the Harlem Globetrotters. His career spanned 60 years with coaching responsibilities in Beggs and Ardmore, Oklahoma. A pioneer in athletic diversity, he was the first head coach at a predominately white school. During this time he achieved lifetime winning records for football with 140 wins 61 losses and 8 ties while in basketball 448 wins and 241 losses. He was born in Arcadia, OK on July 15, 1920 to Henry G. and Gladys Bowens Luster and was raised by his grandparents, Bert and Nancie Luster. His parents, siblings, Thelma A. Townsend, William "Bill" Luster, and Orville "Ike" Porter preceded him in death. As well as his wife of 54 years, Jacqueline White, and his son, Michael. He is survived by his three children, Rozalyn Luster-Washington, Marilyn Luster (Marc) Rogers, and Keith (Barbara) Luster; grandchildren, Kysha Luster (Randy) Long, Erickka Luster, Norma (Raylon) Haley, Brenda Washington, Jes'ka Washington, Jayson Frank Luster Washington, Jeffery Frank Luster, and Bailey Jaclyn Rogers. Memorial Services are 2 PM Saturday December 18, 2010 at the Craddock Memorial Chapel. Inurnment will follow to Clearview Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Craddock Funeral Home. Family and friends are welcome to share memories before and after services at the Colvert Center, 503 W. Broadway, Ardmore. Message of condolences may be addressed to: Frank Luster's Family, 1249 Staton Dr., OKC, OK 73111. Online condolences may be made to www.craddockfuner alhome.com