Raymond Marion Lukes

RAYMOND MARION LUKES of Las Vegas, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2013, at the age or 83. He was born in East St. Louis, Illinois to John Claxton and Gertrude (Washington) Lukes. Raymond was the fourth child and third son for the couple. He proudly served his country during the Korean War as a member of the Air Force (then the Army Air Corps). An avid outdoorsman, Raymond loved to fish, hunt, and play golf. He was naturally competitive, loved to play card games, and taught all his children and grandchildren to play Yahtzee his way. He met his wife Girtia when they were both children growing up in Illinois. They were married on December 24, 1952, and remained happily wedded until the day of his passing. Known for his love of life and his congeniality, Raymond’s spirit will be carried on in the hearts of his many family members. He is survived by his wife Girtia; his younger brother Richard; his children Portland, Marcia Nina (Keith), Vanessa (Robert), Eric (Carla), and Sherry; his grandchildren Tyra (Kenneth), Arianne (Damon), Ardea (Brandon), Raymond II, Darius, Roderick, Ryan, Elissa, Eron, Octavia, Reva, Reanna, Elexa, and Eric Jr; his great-grandchildren Kiley, Kendall, Aysia, Kevin, Raekwon, Marleena, Nevaeh, Martel, Skye, Nina, Raymond III, Roderick Jr., Mayjer, Paradise, Reice, Brandy, and Phillip Jr.; and a whole host of nieces (Gwen, Carol, Charlotte, Terry, Pam, Celestine, and others), great-nieces, nephews (Brian, John, Clarence, and others), great-nephews, cousins, and friends. Raymond was the kind of man who could make a friend in the unlikeliest of places due to his general good nature and kind heart. Let us all celebrate a man who loved to laugh, tell stories, and share his wisdom with those around him.