Paul Jacob Luke

Paul Jacob Luke, 94, was called home to be with our Lord on July 13, 2023. He was born in 1928 in Muenster, Texas. Paul always said Muenster was a great place to grow up. He had many happy memories, made lifelong friends, and met the love of his life in the 3rd grade. Paul and Grace were married 68 years and had two children.

After high school, Paul worked for the railroad where he learned to be a telegraph operator. He used that skill in the Army as a telegraph and radio operator serving with the 7th Infantry Heavy Mortar Company in the Korean War. Paul became so adept that he could hear words from the dashes and dots at about 45 words per minute. After returning from the Army, he continued working for the railroad and attended college part time. Paul earned both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Physics. He then taught physics at El Centro College and later at Richland College. Paul had a curious mind and a broad range of interests from reading history and science, to learning German and French, playing the piano, singing with a ukulele band, building and flying model airplanes, hunting and fishing, and more.

Paul was a wonderful family man both as a father and grandfather. He was a storyteller and enjoyed sharing his memories of what times were like when he was growing up, his Army days, and his family's history. He loved spending time with his grandchildren playing games and having fun. He was a genuine, loving, kind-hearted person. He was a devout Catholic and a member of Mary Immaculate Church for over 60 years.

Paul is survived by his daughter Ruth Thomas (Paul), two granddaughters Jennifer Brandt (Christopher) and Michelle Richardson (Michael), four (soon to be five) great-grandchildren Grace, Abigail, and Baby Brandt, Luke and Nathan Richardson, and sister Ann Fiedler (Jack). Paul was preceded in death by his wife Grace, son Ken, parents Henry and Mary Lillian Luke, and brother Mike Luke.

Funeral services will be held at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, with a Rosary at 10:00 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am. A reception in the church Narthex will follow. If unable to physically attend, please join us virtually at www.maryimmaculatechurch.org. Interment will follow at Calvary Hill Cemetery and will be limited to immediate family only.