In Memory Of
Herbert H. Luke
1923
2012
Herbert H. Luke
February 2, 1923 — January 16, 2012
Herbert H. Luke, 88, formerly of Gainesville passed away on Monday, January 16, 2012. He was born on February 2, 1923 in Pavo, Georgia to Herbert S. Luke and Nora Lee (Craig) Luke.
He served in the United States Army Air Corp during World War II, flying 17 missions in a B17 bomber as a navigator and radio operator. He was a member of the 410th Squadron, 94th Bomber Group, 8th Air Force. He received the Air Medal with two clusters and was known on the radio as "Lucky Luke".
He met his future bride while on leave in Torquay, England, and married Stella Rachel Higgs on September 2, 1946 in Jacksonville, Florida. His bride's entire family then moved with him back to the United States.
He received his BS in Agriculture from the University of Georgia in 1950; and his MS and PhD from Louisanna State University. He was then appointed as a Professor of Plant Pathology for the USDA in Gainesville, Florida at the University of Florida.
In 1973, he received the Ruth Allen Award for pioneer research with plant toxins. In 1990, he was awarded the Outstanding Plant Pathologist of the Year for the Southern Division of the USDA/ARS by the American Phytopathological Society. He retired after 32 years of service as a distinguished scientist with the USDA at UF.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was frequently found off shore with friends in Cedar Key.
He is survived by his sons, Michael Luke and his wife, Jennifer and Barry Luke and his partner, Dan Kelleher; brother James Luke and his wife Betty Jean (Wilson) Luke; granddaughter Elizabeth Webb and great granddaughter, Julia Webb. He was preceeded in death by his wife, Stella Rachael Higgs and his sister, Violet Dawn Warr.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to everyone at The Bridge Assisted Living Center and the staff at VITAS Hospice for the care they provided him, with special thanks to Cindy, Mona and Beverly for their extraordinary efforts in making his life fun in the final weeks.
In lieu of flowers the family recommends a donation to the charity of your choice or to the WoundedWarriorProject.org
He served in the United States Army Air Corp during World War II, flying 17 missions in a B17 bomber as a navigator and radio operator. He was a member of the 410th Squadron, 94th Bomber Group, 8th Air Force. He received the Air Medal with two clusters and was known on the radio as "Lucky Luke".
He met his future bride while on leave in Torquay, England, and married Stella Rachel Higgs on September 2, 1946 in Jacksonville, Florida. His bride's entire family then moved with him back to the United States.
He received his BS in Agriculture from the University of Georgia in 1950; and his MS and PhD from Louisanna State University. He was then appointed as a Professor of Plant Pathology for the USDA in Gainesville, Florida at the University of Florida.
In 1973, he received the Ruth Allen Award for pioneer research with plant toxins. In 1990, he was awarded the Outstanding Plant Pathologist of the Year for the Southern Division of the USDA/ARS by the American Phytopathological Society. He retired after 32 years of service as a distinguished scientist with the USDA at UF.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was frequently found off shore with friends in Cedar Key.
He is survived by his sons, Michael Luke and his wife, Jennifer and Barry Luke and his partner, Dan Kelleher; brother James Luke and his wife Betty Jean (Wilson) Luke; granddaughter Elizabeth Webb and great granddaughter, Julia Webb. He was preceeded in death by his wife, Stella Rachael Higgs and his sister, Violet Dawn Warr.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to everyone at The Bridge Assisted Living Center and the staff at VITAS Hospice for the care they provided him, with special thanks to Cindy, Mona and Beverly for their extraordinary efforts in making his life fun in the final weeks.
In lieu of flowers the family recommends a donation to the charity of your choice or to the WoundedWarriorProject.org
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Herbert H. Luke, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Saturday, January 21, 2012
2:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions
Memorial Service
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Starts at 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions
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