Marion Tennill Luke

On April 25, 2025, Marion Tennill Luke, loving husband and father, passed away in Colorado Springs, CO at age 88 from natural causes. He was born on December 29, 1936 in Houston, Texas, the next-to-the-youngest child of Harry and Gladys Luke. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Frances Luke, his daughters: Denise Winchell and husband Kent Winchell of Colorado Springs, CO; Gayle Smith and husband Trey Smith of Pearland, Texas; and his son David Luke and wife Georgia Luke of Pearland, Texas; five grandchildren, Michelle Winchell of Colorado Springs, CO, Jared Smith and wife Rita Smith of Pearland, Texas, Cameron Smith and wife Michelle Smith of Fresno, Texas, Stephen Winchell of Colorado Springs, CO, and Alex Luke of Pearland, Texas. Also surviving him are his great-granddaughter Hazel Smith as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, nine siblings and his grandson Philip Dale Winchell.

Marion was born and raised in Houston, Texas and received his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas in Austin. He was hired by Houston Lighting and Power Co in 1960 after being employed by them for two summers during college. He moved through the ranks before becoming project manager for the construction of the South Texas Nuclear Project. He loved his work and was very loyal to “The Light Company.” He retired in 1992 after 32 years of service.

Marion married Frances Gummelt on October 31, 1959. They raised two daughters, Denise and Gayle, and a son David. After retirement, they moved to Colorado Springs to enjoy the mountains. Marion was passionate about his Christian faith and served in the church for many years. He was an avid reader and loved to study theology as well as our society’s changing technology. He was kind and compassionate and he loved to talk. In the last few decades of his life, he began writing spiritually-based studies for Christian growth that were sent out for use to several countries. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, but his greatest love was his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

About three years ago, Marion lost the ability to walk. He made it his aim to trust God for the loss of mobility as well as the loss of many other freedoms. The family would like to thank Liberty Heights Skilled Nursing for the compassionate care they provided Marion during the last two and half years of his life.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 17th at 2:30 pm at Colorado Freedom Church, 6862 Galley Road, Colorado Springs.