Ludrick (Lew) Webb Linkous

He was born in Bluefield, Virginia on November 11, 1931 to Alton Crockett Linkous and Lila May Wallace Linkous. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother: Alton Linkous and a sister: Louise Frank.

He is survived by his wife of thirty two years: Jo Ann Powell Linkous of Decatur, sister: Arlyn Miranda (Ray) of Baltimore, Maryland, daughter: Rebecca Lynn Elliott of Conroe, Texas, son: Mark Kevin Linkous of Austin, Texas, step-sons: Jody Powell and Lucas Powell, both of Decatur and a grandson: John William Elliott of Conroe, Texas.

Dr. Linkous graduated from Baltimore City College in 1948. He graduated from Towson State University in 1957 with a B.S. in Education and subsequently worked as a secondary school teacher and counselor in the Baltimore County School System. In 1962 he graduated with a M. Ed degree from Loyola University and obtained his Ph.D. from The University of Texas in 1967.

Dr. Linkous worked for the State Board of Texas developing a pilot program for educating emotionally disturbed children and youth. He began his tenure at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, serving as chairperson of The Emotional Conflict Program and Professor of Special Education. He developed similar guidelines for the Alabama school system regarding special needs students.

Dr Linkous added certification in knowledge engineering and family counseling as well. He was a scholar, an intellect and a lifelong learner as his library indicates. He received certificates, decrees, and awards. As a college professor, Lew considered his greatest achievement as being part of a Christian faculty fellowship that readily witnessed to students and families about Jesus Christ. Upon retirement, Dr. Linkous resided in Decatur where he has been a member of Parkview Baptist Church. He had fond memories of his service in the Navy, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, being on his sail boat with his children and playing with the family pets. His loving presence will be missed by family and friends.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Greg Cheatham, River City Re-hab, and Hospice of North Alabama for their tireless efforts and loving support.

The memorial service for Dr. Linkous will be Friday, April 22 at Parkview Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m., preceded by visitation with the family at 12:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Parkview Church building fund, Hospice of North Alabama, or Decatur Animal Shelter.

Condolences can be posted at our on-line registry at www.roselawnfhandcemetery.com