Thomas James Luken

Tom Luken, age 75, passed away on August 29, 2025. Born on June 15, 1950, in Cincinnati, Ohio to William and Rosemary Luken (Brandewiede), Tom was a beloved husband, father, “Pepaw”, son, brother, cousin, uncle, coach and friend. Tom is survived by his daughter, Nicole (David); his grandchildren, Grace, and Tommy; and his brother Bill (Marty). Tom was preceded in death by his wife Marcia (Young) and his parents.

Tom graduated from LaSalle High School in Cincinnati in 1968 where he was a varsity member of the track & field and football teams. He was awarded both All GCL Football and All City Football in 1967 for his high school football achievements and in 1996, Tom was inducted into the LaSalle High School Football Hall of Fame. Tom then went on to graduate from Purdue University where he met his wife of 52 years, Marcia, and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. While at Purdue, he was a three-year football starter (1969-71) on the offensive line. He was also a Football Co-Captain, the Football MVP, awarded first-team All-Big Ten honors, named to the Associated Press All-American Second Team, and received the Guy “Red” Mackey Award. Tom was featured in the Playboy Pigskin Preview All-American Offensive Team in 1971 where he was described as a “one-man wave of blockers”. He also played in the East/West Shrine All-Star Game, the Hula Bowl All-Star Game, and the Coach’s All-American Game (with Bear Bryant). After college Tom continued his football career as a third-round draft pick for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played from 1972-78 and was named to the NFL All Rookie Team in 1972.

After retiring from football Tom went on to have a long-term career at the Kroger Co. in both Indianapolis and Cincinnati and by the time of his retirement in 2012 after 31 years with the company, he managed sales for all Kroger commercial bakeries “from sea to shining sea for 2,200 stores” and was lovingly referred to as the “Big Loaf”.

To keep his hand in the game of football, he volunteered for seven years as an offensive line coach at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. Cathedral won the state championship title three out of the last four years he coached. Tom always found a “unique” way to get the boys ready for a game or celebrate a big win. Being a coach was one of Tom’s most cherished roles, and never having a son of his own, he loved his players as if they were his own “sons.” He had a strong belief in the gifts and potential of the young men he coached, and he was proud of the fathers, coaches, husbands, and men his players became, more so than they may ever know.

Those that had the pleasure of meeting Tom know that describing him on a page is simply impossible. He was larger than life and a true “character” with a wonderful sense of humor that was accentuated with quick wit and playfulness. He lit up any room he was in and genuinely cared about people for who they were, welcoming everyone with the same ease of kindness and grace. He was the very best “girl” dad, a tough-loving coach, a loyal friend, and a devoted husband, serving as the loving primary caretaker for over 20 years for his beloved wife Marcia who suffered from Multiple Sclerosis. His football teammates at Purdue may have pegged Tom best when they nominated him for the Red Mackey award his senior year. The award went to “the senior elected by his squad as the member who most nearly emulates the characteristics which Red Mackey felt important and tried to follow in his relations with his fellow man, his attitude toward himself, his school, and his country.” This team member:

“Was always, in his relations with his fellow man: loyal, honest, open, generous, helpful, and genuine.

Was always, in the application of his skills: disciplined, competitive, tenacious, aggressive, a team player.

Was always, to his employer, community, and his country: loyal, dedicated, energetic, positive.”

Although Tom left us suddenly, he is not lost. Tom lived his life based on the strong values he held dear, and in doing so he left a part of himself in every person he touched. Tom believed in God, and he trusted faithfully in God’s will until the end.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Heart, 5692 Central Avenue, Indianapolis at 2pm on Saturday, October 11th, with visitation from 12:30-2pm prior to mass. There will be a gathering to honor Tom’s life immediately following the Mass at Northside Events & Social Club, 2100 East 71st Street, Indianapolis where friends and family are invited to come together and share their cherished memories. For those wishing to donate in Tom’s memory, donations can be made online to the Tom Luken Memorial Scholarship at La Salle High School or mailed to: La Salle High School, 3091 North Bend Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45239