Luster Ray Lewis was born November 27, 1950 in Dallas, Texas and passed away on Good Friday, April 19, 2019 in Argyle, Texas. He spent most of his childhood in the Hamilton Park area of North Dallas and graduated from Hamilton Park High School in 1969. He had fond memories of his classmates and his time on the high school track team. Luster attended the University of Texas at Arlington where he became a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Luster left UTA to enlist in the United States Air Force in 1973 where he became a Drill Instructor based at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. Luster had a high regard for his time in the Air Force and credited it with developing his well-known work ethic and attention to detail.
In 1968, the first of Luster’s four children, Toni, was born. In 1971, Luster married his high school sweetheart, Jacquelyn Fields, and his daughter Erika was born. After his time in the Air Force, Luster and Jackie returned to the Dallas area and their marriage saw the birth of two more children, Shelly & Marcus. For many years Luster was an avid supporter of his children’s activities in Duncanville schools. Luster and Jackie were reliably present at track meets, basketball games, band concerts, & marching band competitions. He emphasized the importance of hard work and was very proud of his children’s accomplishments, but he balanced his parenting with being silly, causing laughter, and creating lasting memories.
Luster loved to work with his hands. He was fortunate that his career afforded him the chance to do what he loved, design and build. Luster spent several decades working for Lonestar Gas, Shirco Ltd., McDonnell Douglas and American Airlines and even spent four years as an entrepreneur. He was known for designing and building improvements to his homes. Decking, fencing, dog houses, irrigation systems, flower beds, barbecue pits, mail boxes, and even a gym all had his unique stamp on them. He was a craftsman in the truest sense of the word. Although he always placed an emphasis on the quality of the finished product, Luster loved the process just as much as the end result. His projects allowed him to spend extra time outdoors. He loved hunting, camping, and hiking and easily saw the beauty of God’s design in nature. This trait was often seen in his poetry writing. Luster was an avid fan of the aviation industry and could even identify aircraft types overhead just by sound.
Later in life, Luster married Marilyn Maryott in 2008. Luster and Marilyn shared his love of nature and traveling but more than anything they enjoyed each other’s company. With Marilyn, Luster gained additional family members that valued his love, friendship, and advice. He became particularly close with Marilyn’s grandson, Mason. Just as with his own children Luster emphasized hard work and enjoying life, creating memories that will be cherished long after his passing. Marilyn was Luster’s dedicated companion, wife, and support system through his illness.
Luster was preceded in death by his parents, Lula & Roy Lewis. He is survived by his wife: Marilyn (Argyle); ex-wife Jackie (Duncanville); four siblings: John (Cedar Hill), Chester (Matthews, NC), Cherilyn (Humble), & Eric (Leander); four children: Toni (Dallas), Erika (Duncanville), Shelly (Keller), & Marcus (Grand Prairie); six grandchildren: Randall, Kyle, Micayla, Jonathan, Ethan, & Emerson; and two great-grandchildren: Sophia & Aaliyah. Additionally, Luster’s life will be remembered and cherished by Marilyn’s three sons: James, Jordan & Bryson; grandson: Mason; and countless extended family members, friends, and co-workers.
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