Donald Richard Luger, resident of Dunwoody, Georgia, passed away in the company of family on August 4th, 2021. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose lasting presence will be missed by all who knew him.
Born May 12th, 1938, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Don’s family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida in 1946, where he spent the remainder of his childhood until graduating from St. Paul High School in 1956. Having excelled in mathematics, Don attended Auburn University, earning both his bachelor’s degree (1962) and master’s degree (1964) in civil engineering.
Don spent most of his professional career with Lockwood Greene Engineers (LGE), Inc. Beginning in 1967 as a young project manager, Don later went on to lead the company as President, CEO, and Chairman until his retirement in 1999. The company’s growth during his tenure gave the employees and families at Lockwood Greene a livelihood that Don was proud of. Don always said that work made people complete; it gave them value, dignity, and satisfaction in life. Don’s contribution to Lockwood Greene was a tremendous professional accomplishment that his humility rarely acknowledged.
Beyond Lockwood Greene, Don’s quiet philanthropy left many beneficiaries throughout his lifetime. From deserving undergraduates at his Alma Mater to returning veterans who sacrificed themselves in defense of the freedoms he genuinely cherished, Don’s contributions to scholarship endowments, catholic charities, wounded and fallen service members, and others, left a legacy that will continue for generations. Don always said, “Leave it better than you found it.”
In retirement, Don spent most of his time with family, attending school functions and sporting events for his two children. He saw them through high school, college, and graduate school, and into their respective professions. He watched both children get married and became a grandfather, earning the revered title ‘Pop-Pop’ in his final years. Don’s presence at all his children’s major milestones represented the years of guidance and mentorship he provided them. The example he set as a husband and father was the highest testament to his individual character.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Sharon (McManus) Luger; his two children, Major Christopher D. Luger, USMC, and Morgan Luger Reynolds, PharmD.; his grandson, William D. Luger; and his brother Thomas Luger. Don will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.
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