Kevin P. Luke

Kevin Parker Luke, age 71, of Lincoln passed away on Sunday, April 14th, surrounded by family after a 21 year battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born on September 7, 1952, the fourth son to Henry Edwin and Joy (Parker) Luke in Salt Lake City, Utah. A sister followed four years later to complete the family.

He grew up spending much of his time outdoors, with his favorite activities being baseball and skiing (along with causing mischief with his brothers and neighborhood friends) He graduated from Highland High in 1970, enrolled at the University of Utah and then was drafted into the Army in 1972 where he was stationed in Germany until 1974. Upon returning home, he graduated from the University of Utah in 1976 with a BS in Communications: Radio and Television Production.

Kevin married Janet Hyer on December 17, 1975, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple December 17th, 1976. Kevin and Janet welcomed eight children into their family, “All boys except five” as he loved to say. In 1993 the family moved from Taylorsville, Utah to Lincoln, Nebraska with his company Lincoln Benefit Life (An Allstate Company). He would work for another 23 in marketing before retiring in 2014.

An avid pilot, Kevin obtained a private pilot’s license in college and then in his later years flew with an instructor until his body would no longer let him. His favorite hobby was restoring aircraft at the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and Aerospace Museum where he dedicated more than 10 years of his many years to the B-36 restoration project alone. While there, he made many lasting friendships with fellow enthusiasts. His children and grandchildren spent many Saturdays visiting and exploring planes with dad/grandpa.

To help cope with the Parkinson’s disease, Kevin began bowling to keep his mind and body agile. What started out as exercise a few times a week, quickly turned into a trip or two to Parkway Lanes every day to bowl with his leagues.

An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kevin held many volunteer position including: Gospel Doctrine Instructor, Young Men’s President, Scout Master, Ward Clerk, Executive Secretary, Stake Executive Secretary and Stake High Counselor.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents.

Kevin is survived by his loving wife, Janet. Brothers: David, Randy, Terry and sister, Stacie. Children: Jeremy (Brynna) Luke, Marisa (Travis) Kobza, Whitney (David) Kay, Ashley (Kevin) Merrithew, Jordan (Jennifer) Luke, Caitlin (Ryan) Sweeney, Shelby (Luke) Luke, Logan (Logan) Luke, 15 granddaughters and 11 grandsons.

A visitation will be held Thursday, April 25th, 2024 6-8 pm at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th Street, Lincoln, NE. A funeral service will take place Saturday, April 27th, 2024, 11am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3000 Old Cheney Road, Lincoln, NE with a visitation with family prior from 10-10:45. Memorials are in the care of the family for future designation. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home in Lincoln, NE.