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BORN
1955
DIED
2015
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Richard Luke Obituary
He retired as a Master Sergeant, United States Marine Corps then worked for Boeing for the past 16 years. A true Harrier guy he was a wealth of knowledge that will be greatly missed. As someone said "you never saw any one throw a cranial like Luke did". He very much enjoyed teaching and working with the young Marines and deployed with them as a tech rep several times. Luke never met a car he liked or a Motorcycle that he didn't. He had many nicknames: Captain Crunch and the Briar Patch Bunch from his early racing days, Road Dawg, Luke the Puke and Ole' ass Luke. A truer friend you could not meet. He would do anything for his family and friends and dearly loved his motorcycles, models and airplanes. His passing has left a huge hole in many, many hearts. Services will be 11:00 am Saturday July 25th at Desert Valley Mortuary. I lieu of flowers please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Luke
Sponsored by Desert Valley Mortuary - Somerton.
No Name Required - He Knows
October 18, 2024
Imagine my shock when I found this site and that Richard had passed away. He was the type who you thought would live forever. I knew him at MCAS Cherry Point and he was the most amazing man. Am grateful for those who posted photos, as that is how I remember the man. When I first met him, he told me his name was Gunny God. What a hoot !!! Many nights I barely remember getting home and him crashing at our place. He was always welcome there. We enjoyed having him around. Love you, Richard, always.
Maggie
July 17, 2024
Think of you often my dear friend...
jack Bisnett L/cpl USMC Ret.
July 16, 2022
That in barracks 645 back in 1980 .
Maggie
July 19, 2021
Maggie
July 19, 2021
Maggie
July 19, 2021
Such fun times... Miss you my friend....
Jack Bisnett
July 16, 2020
Semper Fi & Godspeed Luke
Maggie Johnson
July 16, 2019
I think of you so often... and miss you very much...
Bill Kimbrell
July 16, 2019
Gone but not forgotten, brother!
A great person, a great friend -
Maggie Johnson
October 12, 2017
Luke's Locomotive
Maggie
October 12, 2017
My buddy Luke - I am heartbroken to learn you are gone. I always hoped we would meet up again in this life and share some more good, fun times. I know you as a kind and honorable man and so, so funny. We had many laughs together. I am so saddened - rest(or ride) in peace my friend...
Leigh Lindstrom
July 18, 2017
Can't believe it's been two years. He is missed everyday along with brother Tim. At least they are together probably tearing it up.
Johnny Weaver
April 3, 2017
So sorry to hear of Richards passing, I just found out today. As teenagers we were next door neighbors in Milledgeville GA. Back then he was a great friend, loved models, motorcycles and military aircraft. RIP my friend.
Debra Mitchell
August 5, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a character! God bless~
George Brown
January 12, 2016
Semper Fi Gunny Luke! May you rest in peace. I can hear you answering the phone now "231 Avionics, Gunny Luke" with your gravelly voice. Great Man, Great Teacher, Great Comedian.
October 21, 2015
I miss you Gunny.. I'll carry you in my heart forever.
Semper Fi
MONGO
September 5, 2015
R.I.P. brother, I have the watch now. Semper Fi.
Mike "Dog" Underwood.
Mike Pollock
August 13, 2015
Never forget following you down the interstate leaving Dayton, you were weaving line to line on Thud, jammin to a tune only you could hear.
July 28, 2015
On behalf of the Daughters of the American Revolution, we wish to offer our condolences and to honor your loved one's service to our country. Their sacrifice for their country will live on forever in the hearts of all who cherish freedom. Yuma Chapter NSDAR
July 28, 2015
Outstanding American and Marine. Still remember him teaching me how to check the anti-skid sensor with a nickel! Prayers for you and your family. ~Riddler
Shawn Platter
July 27, 2015
Semper Fi Luke and rest in peace.
Top Rick Kok gives Luke a special haircut (Known to Luke) during Desert Storm
Jeff Budds
July 25, 2015
GySgt Luke VM-231 King Abdul Aziz, KSA, Mar 1991
Jeff Budds
July 25, 2015
Owen Clark
July 25, 2015
The stories I could tell . Will miss you , my brother !!
Ossen D'Haiti
July 25, 2015
MSgt Luke was that rare soul who combined wisdom, knowledge, integrity, sense of humor, and tolerance. We served together in VMA-211 where he imprinted me forever. He will always be a bright luminary for the Harrier community. He walked and rode this earth as a giant among men. My heartfelt sympathy to his family and loved ones. God rest his soul.
Semper Fidelis Top!
Colonel O. J. D'Haiti, USMC
Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command
Jack Byrd
July 24, 2015
I never had a bad day when you were around. Great Marine, Awesome friend. A legend in the Harrier community. Rest in Peace my brother.
Luis Villagran
July 24, 2015
RIP.Never be another like you. Semper Fidelis my brother. Best Harrier tech, thank you for everything. and I hope that they have Nitrous refills for you....
July 24, 2015
God Bless you Luke, I will miss you Marine!! Russ Chambless USMC Retired, IYAOYAS!
July 24, 2015
Farewell Gunny, Great times at VMA-231. God Needed another Marine. My deepest condolences to the entire family on your loss.
Angel Tollens Sgt USMC
Greg Brannon
July 24, 2015
Rest in Peace Marine
USMC Silent Drill Platoon
Frank Smith
July 24, 2015
Rest in peace BROTHER!
July 24, 2015
There are few Marines who have seared their name and face in my memory as Luke did. We served together in VMA-231 for UDP and Desert Storm. What a Great American and iconic SNCO.
Rusty Jones
Colonel USMC (Ret)
CO, VMA-231 90-91
July 24, 2015
Japan '95
July 24, 2015
Jack Bisnett
July 24, 2015
Godspeed Devil Dog
VMAT102
(aka) Grandpa Tequila
Rob Hill
July 24, 2015
I served with "Top" Luke VMA 211, MCAS Yuma Arizona. I supervised the Airframes shop while he was the Avionics Staff NCOIC. He was a dedicated Marine, Mechanic, and Friend. His occasional antics were especially entertaining. If you had to pick anyone to be at your side for "anything", and know they had your back, Top Luke was always a good choice. Absolutely incorruptable and filled with duty and integrity. One of my few role models. I wish I could have seen him before he was gone. We will all remember you fondly.
Dottie Priest
July 24, 2015
Jenni, so sorry to hear of Luke's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Lusetta Lopez
July 23, 2015
Rip Luke ...
Kuwait 1997
Joshua McCann
July 23, 2015
Kuwait 1997
Joshua McCann
July 23, 2015
forever in our hearts! Al /Sandy Pliska
July 23, 2015
RIP old friend, forever in our hearts!
Jack & Karen Stevens
July 23, 2015
We got to know Luke at the Staff Club over the years...considered him part of our Yuma "family." We will miss him.
July 23, 2015
Many good times in the '70's . More deployment stories than need to be told . RIP , my brother !!!
Mark Russell
July 23, 2015
RIP old friend!! One of the greatest guys I ever served with. God your getting a great Angel
Bill Kimbrell
July 23, 2015
Semper Fi RC....
Jeff Budds
July 23, 2015
Luke - Despite the gruff exterior, you have a heart of gold. You made a positive impact on many Marines - I'm just one of them. Semper Fi, my friend.
Wally Simmons
July 23, 2015
Semper Fi old buddy and RIP. No finer Harrier tech than you my friend, you made a difference and everyone who crossed paths with you are better because of it.
Rick Funk
July 23, 2015
Godspeed Brother
Donnie Day
July 23, 2015
RIP my friend. You influenced so many with your knowledge and experience. Your antics and humor always made the work easier. Never be another like you. Semper Fidelis my brother.
Linda Moody
July 23, 2015
You knowledge will stay with the many Marines it was given to over the years. May your family heal during this time of darkness as they mourn your loss. You will be missed by many!
Stefan Hellersperk
July 23, 2015
Gunny Luke you were one of the best SNCO's I ever served under. You will be missed.
James Seigfried
July 23, 2015
It was a pleasure to have known you and you will forever be remembered by many.
Tyler Jerome
July 23, 2015
Great Marine and friend, will be missed dearly! Ride on brotha!!! Keep the gates safe...
Jason Rivera
July 23, 2015
The Harriet Fleet, the Yuma Flight Line and the E Club will not be the same. Great and funny man who will be missed. RIP my brother.
John Hicks
July 23, 2015
Rest in Peace, Top Luke. You were an excellent Marine, an talented maintainer, and a wonderful person. May your family have God's grace at this most difficult time.
Steve Jones
July 23, 2015
The Yuma flight line will never be the same without you. Thank you for the knowledge and the laughs. RIP friend.
Larry Stoneroad
July 23, 2015
JAnother Marine Reporting, RIP buddy we had some good times.
Jim Dowling
July 23, 2015
Rest In Peace Luke, I served with this great man in 231 and then ran into him when I was in 513 when he was working for boeing. He will surely be missed by all that everyone that had the opportunity to work with him.
Will Price
July 23, 2015
Rest In Peace MSgt Luke, it was an honor to know you. God bless your family and friends during this difficult time.
Joshua McCann
July 23, 2015
Top was a friend to many, always teaching, always helping, always there if you needed him. Everyone has a few Luke stories to tell, that will make you laugh. Everyone that was his friend can attest to his honesty, loyalty and dedication
. He was a great friend, mentor, person and he will be missed.
Derek Fry
July 23, 2015
Rest in peace Luke. You will be missed on the flight line and at the SNCO club. May you keep your knees in the breeze for eternity.
Robert Smith
July 23, 2015
Luke
Rest in Peace my Friend I always enjoyed your friendship and advice. You will be dearly missed. S/F.
Tony & Linda Meath
July 23, 2015
My wife Linda and I will miss Luke. We both thought of him as a friend and a fellow Marine of the Highest caliber. He will be missed by us, and everyone that that came in contact with him. May God except him with open arms.
Tim Taylor
July 23, 2015
I served with GySgt Luke in '231 from '89-92, and had a lot of conversations with MSgt Luke next door to '214. Good man; hard-headed and soft-hearted in the manliest way. I still remember him cracking us up on a beach in Thailand or Philippines as he put on an impromptu show when somebody played "Born to be Wild". You kinda had to be there to really appreciate it, but his props were his dark sunglasses and the handlebars to an old bike. I'm still laughing.
Chip Myers
July 22, 2015
Luke a duke from Harrier Op Eval days. As good as they come. Semper Fi brother!
bill bentley
July 22, 2015
Luke you will be missed.You were always happy when I talked to you.Always enjoyed our talks,it was great camping out with you and Gary a few years ago for a few nights.RIP my friend!
Hud
July 22, 2015
Ride in peace brother.
Eric Giannettino
July 22, 2015
Always someone you could talk to and learn from. Definitely isn't going to be the same on the flight line without him. RIP Luke thanks for all that you taught me.
Mindy White
July 22, 2015
My thoughts and prayers for The Lukes.
I didn't get a chance to know Rick, but if he was anything like the rest of the family, then he was a special man.
Love Ya'll
Dick Hain
July 22, 2015
Friends aplenty, from all walks. This earth has lost a great soul! I will most certainly miss his sense of humor and companionship. May God guide and protect you on your final ride, to everlasting peace. Rest in Peace Brother.
Rory Meehan
July 22, 2015
I was Luke's OIC from 1991-1995. We did two deployments together. Great human being and yes, he was a hoot. I could tell "Luke" stories for hours as I'm sure many others can. Work hard and play harder. He was one of a kind. Semper Fidelis Marine.
Vince Lopez
July 22, 2015
Luke will always be one of the best teachers I've ever had. He taught me a lot as a boot and he was always willing to teach anyone and everyone. He will be missed but always remembered. "Heroes are remembered but legends never die."
Kathy Ball
July 22, 2015
Met Luke back in the Shadows Lounge days, he was an awesome human being. Rest well, God brought home a blessed soul.
Jack (Semi) McConnell
July 22, 2015
Luke was a great person and friend. He will truly be missed. He had a huge impact on everyone he knew. RIP Brother.
Jim Dixon
July 22, 2015
MSgt Luke was a hoot! Great to be around, from New Years (1988) in my Captain days to my last opportunity to serve in Afghanistan (2003) with Mr Luke. He lived Harriers and loved teaching the youth, as well as keeping elders in line. Great sense of humor and intellect. Taught me what a capacitor was the hard way (ouch)! :-) He will be sorely missed and always remembered. Prayers to his family and friends in this time of loss.
Guster
July 22, 2015
Brother, you will be missed
Barb Gostomski
July 22, 2015
We will truly miss you!!
Gus & Barb
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