Carol D. "Luke" Short

Carol "Luke" D. Short, 81, of Hannibal, MO, passed away at 2:15 PM, Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, IL. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 AM, Thursday, June 12, 2025, at First Baptist Church in New London, MO. Pastor Chris Kuenzle and Mr. Kevin Ford will officiate. Burial with full military honors by Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post #55 will be at Barkley Cemetery in New London, MO. Friends and Family are invited to Luke's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO. Luke was born January 24, 1944, in Paris, IL to Lowell W. Short and Lottie Neidigh Short. He was married to Georgia P. Smith on October 2, 1965, in Hannibal, MO. She survives. Other survivors include his four children, Lowell D. Short (Mary) of New London, MO, Luke A. Short (Christina) of Oklahoma, Matthew Short of Kansas City, MO, and Elizabeth Short of Jefferson City, MO; one brother, Morris Short (Raye) of Annapolis, IL; seven grandchildren, Crystal (Kenny), Mackenzie, Kearstin, Megan, Luke II, Sarah (Josh), and Trey (Micah); seven great grandchildren, Leighton, Charli, Wyatt, Brody Luke, Boone, Rocco, and Lilith. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Luke was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harold Short; sister, Marilyn Hill; granddaughter, Danielle; and great grandson, Carter. Luke was a retired Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist having worked for many years at Levering Hospital, St. Elizabeth Hospital, and Hannibal Regional Hospital from which he retired. A hobby gardener, Luke found joy in tending to his vegetables, grapevines, and fruit trees. Luke was a man of faith and intellect, he found comfort and wisdom in the pages of the Bible and the Wall Street Journal. His daily readings were a source of inspiration and knowledge. As a private pilot, he skillfully navigated his Cessna 172, embracing the world from a vantage point few have the privilege to know. His flights were a reflection of his adventurous spirit. He also took pleasure in roller skating and skiing with his grandchildren, watching the stock car races in Quincy, IL and fishing the Mississippi River, where he even held a commercial fishing license. Above all, Luke's love for his church, family, and grandchildren was the cornerstone of his life. He led by example, teaching the virtues of hard work, faith, and love through his actions. His presence was a comfort, and his guidance a light for those who had the privilege of walking beside him. Luke will be greatly missed by all who loved him. Luke was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in New London, MO. Pallbearers will be Luke Short, Lowell Short, Matthew Short, Kenny Lain, Luke Short II and Tommy Dotson. Honorary pallbearers will be Luke's grandchildren and great grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or First Baptist Church in New London, MO. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol D., please visit our floral store.