Luther Lee

Luther Cole Lee was born to John Lee, an immigrant from Germany, and Lou Minnie Showers residing in Oak Grove, Louisiana. Luther was the eldest of six children: John D. Riley of Murietta, Ca; Mable L. Smith of Mira Loma, CA; Monroe Allen of Santa Monica, CA; and two sisters who preceded him in death, Ada Mae Flowers and Theodis Stingley.

Luther met and married the love of his life, Cecilia Mary LaCour, who left us in 1986. They were married in 1941 and had three lovely children, Dolores, Joseph and Johnny.

Luther served in the Army from April 29, 1942, to November 1945. His main assignment was a truck mechanic, Tech 4 rank. Luther moved his family to Santa Monica, CA in 1946. Joseph and Johnny were both born in California.

Luther worked as an auto mechanic and eventually owned his own business. In later years he became an independent over the road truck driver. He retired and moved back to Louisiana in the early 80’s. In 1986 Cecilia preceded him in death and he moved briefly to Yuma, AZ, and then back to California to be near his children and grandchildren.

Luther was raised in a time when things were very strict and protocol observed likewise. He was a very strict father, raising his children as best he could, according to the way that he had been raised. So, Cecilia was the soft hand; Luther was the hard hand.

Luther was not a conventional man, never caring what other people said about him or what other people had. He was a practical man. He only believed in buying things that were needed, no frills for him. He did buy a motorcycle at one point in his life, which for him was pretty daring, I think it was mostly for Cecilia. They belonged to a motorcycle club and they both loved it. You have heard the expression “jack of all trades, master of none”? Luther was the opposite; he was the master of all. He had 12 years of schooling, and he learned quickly through experience. He was mostly self-taught and often took correspondence courses. I think he was motivated to learn by his dislike of paying people to do work for him. Luther did it “his way”, actually it was “his way” or the highway. Luther didn’t like owing anyone or being a burden and that is how he departed this world.

Luther is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Kimberly, Kamberly, LeQuon, Larkin, and Shanyell. 1 grandchild Monique, deceased; 4 great grandchildren: Larkin Jr., Jaylen, Brook-Lynn and Jayce; 5 sister in laws, and many nieces and nephews in California and Louisiana.