Luther Dube

1935 - 2025

Luther Dube
01/06/1935 - 09/09/2025
Luther P. Dube was an exceptional human being. He was a respected and towering figure in the hearts and minds of his family and those who knew him well. He was a man of substance and of high character. And, he was humble. A man of authenticity, integrity and complete transparency; he was honest to the bone. His self-discipline was a cornerstone characteristic, and his tenacity was legendary. He led by example.

He was a beloved Husband (Nell - 59 yrs, Nicki - 6.5 yrs); Father (Gretchen DeStefano, Margaret Paulsen [Bill], and Hans G. Dube [Amy]); Grandpa (Lindsay Paulsen, Luke Dube, Liam DeStefano, Daniel DeStefano, Johann Dube, and Maxwell Dube); and Great Grandpa (Raylee DeStefano and Hans F. Dube). Also, Luther was a rock of support to LaVerne Dube Turner, widow of his beloved brother, Ernest.

Luther was a: stalwart Christian, proud Texan and American of German/Wendish heritage, devout Lutheran, Fightin' Texas Aggie (Class of '57), US Army (Inf) Captain, Mechanical Engineer, Conservative, H&R Block Tax Preparer, and so much more.

Luther's frugality was also legendary, but his kind generosity overshadowed this Depression Era kid's tendency to watch every penny. Luther grew up poor, on a farm southeast of Austin; but the hard-working, honest-living principles that Luther acquired throughout his youth helped chisel the boy into the man that he became. Other factors that shaped Luther's character were his tenure in the Corp of Cadets at Texas A&M, and in the US Army. Luther's parents were Arthur and Louise Dube. His siblings were Helen Zabel, Ernest Dube, Weldon Dube, and Irene Erickson.

Luther was always handsome, smart, outgoing and friendly. At Austin High School, he was voted President of his Senior Class, Senior Favorite (male), Senior Friendliest (male), and King of the school.

Luther married the beautiful LaNell V. Bethke of Austin, in 1958, soon after he started his 39-year career with Texas Electric Service Company in Fort Worth. Luther and Nell lovingly raised their three children according to their strong Christian ideals. Luther's priorities, in order of importance, were: God, Family, Work, and, Church. Luther and Nell adored each other but shared their differences of opinion quite liberally. The kids grew up learning that marriage, despite devoted love, was hard work. They only knew love and stability. The 10 years growing up in the Texas Electric Village in Graham were magical – a kid's paradise.
Luther did many remarkable things; two standouts were starting a church and saving a man's life! In 1965, Texas Electric transferred Luther and his family to Graham, TX - a town with no Lutheran church. So, Luther initiated the formation of Faith Lutheran Church, which still stands today!

He also saved a man's life! The American National Red Cross recognized Luther for "Extraordinary Personal Action in saving a human life at the risk of his own on May 12, 1977, at the Limestone Bin at Martin Lake. The victim was totally submerged in limestone except for one hand. After digging to free part of the victim's face, Dube - sinking too - managed to maintain an airway to allow the victim to breathe for almost 3 hours before they were rescued. A Red Cross first aider, Dube applied his training for quick action and calm in an emergency."

Sadly, Luther's beloved wife, Nell, died in 2017, after a series of health crises. This was difficult, to say the least. In 2019, Luther married a friend from his Austin High School years named Nancy "Nicki" Knickerbocker Wright. Nicki put a spring back into Luther's step as they shared their marriage and family.

The world has lost another of The Greatest Generation. His son, Hans, said "Dad was 'GREAT at being GOOD', and we feel fortunate to have had him as our Dad. He was our Hero." His wholesomeness was like a giant sun that radiated brilliant light, and, thus, hope into this world. And, those of us who were lucky enough to have basked in that warm sunshine will forever be touched by this Remarkable Man - Luther P. Dube.

If you wish to honor Luther by some action, plant an oak tree. Or, give to his beloved Living Word Lutheran Church at 2031 W. Northwest Hwy, Grapevine, TX 76051.

Visitation will be Friday, 10/17/2025, at Lucas Funeral Home, 1321 Precinct Line Rd, Hurst, TX, from 6-8pm. Luther's Memorial Service will be Saturday, 10/18/2025, at 11am, at Living Word Lutheran Church (See address in paragraph above), followed by a lunch in the church fellowship hall where eulogies for Luther will be shared.