Jerold Ernest Luker

Born on June 11, 1943 in Salt Lake City, Jerry was the third of eight children of Irvin and Afton (Reid) Luker. He grew up in Salt Lake City, attending West High School where he excelled in ROTC. After high school, he attended Salt Lake Trade Tech where he enjoyed learning electronics skills that would later enable him to fix just about anything.

Jerry served in the LDS Southern States mission. After he returned, he joined Utah’s Air National Guard, serving for six years working with radio and radar and achieving the rank of Sergeant. During this time, he attended the University of Utah, where he earned a degree in Sociology and, more importantly, met his wife, Sharla Jane Eldredge, in the institute choir. He and Sharla would always enjoy singing together and with their children.

Jerry had a long career working for Utah’s Department of Employment Security as an Administrative Law Judge. He judged thousands of cases, some of them earning national attention. He took pride in being meticulous and fair.

Jerry loved being a father, making sure to teach his children the joy of camping, especially at national parks. He loved the desert and the night sky full of stars. He was an excellent cook and handyman. He was very active in his ward and neighborhood, taking tender care of those he home taught, shoveling snow and fixing things for his neighbors. He was quick to volunteer for all service assignments. He was also a dedicated and beloved scout leader.

Tragically, Jerry had to say goodbye to his wife of twenty-four years when she succumbed to ovarian cancer. He had some hard years as he grieved this loss, but he took great joy in his grandchildren, who remember his many songs and stories.

In a delightful surprise, Jerry found himself in love once again, this time with Lynn Craycraft, whom he had ministered to a few years earlier as a home teacher. They married on July 20, 2001, and went on to spend 23 years together serving in their wards in Murray, Las Vegas, and Tucson and attending to their children and grandchildren. They were able to serve a mission to Richmond, Virginia where they served the community and strengthened members. In Tucson, they were beloved nursery leaders for many years, and the little children loved Jerry’s songs and games.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Lynn, his children and bonus children Darlene (Roger) Young, Marilyn (Gary) Smith, Joy (Michael) St-Laurent, John (Michelle) Luker, Erin (Ryan) Hampton, Meredith (Jon) Brown, 18 grandchildren and bonus grandchildren, and 1 great granddaughter. He is also survived by his seven siblings, Leone Medley, Ken (Linda) Luker, Gordon (Marlene) Luker, Ramona (John) Watson, Roy (Ellen) Luker, Mary Elva (Randy) Holt, and LaDawn (Steven) McNeal.

A viewing is scheduled for Saturday, July 20 (Jerry’s and Lynn’s 23rd anniversary) at 10:00 a.m. at the LDS chapel at 2550 W. Shields Lane (9800 South) in South Jordan, Utah. The funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m.