Luke was born on May 10, 1944, to the late Edwin and Lorena Helmers. He married Mary Alice Vasquez on April 5, 1986. Luke was a long time resident of Rankin and retired from Upton County Road & Bridge.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing, was known by his family for his delicious BBQ, enjoyed watching westerns, and was a big football fan. Go Cowboys!
Referred to as "Pappaw" by his grandkids, he was a repeat motivator in them playing "hooky hooky" for shopping trips or Catfish Friday. He was also known to instigate trouble with his great-grandsons.
Luke was preceded in death by his wife, parents, two brothers (J and Harvey), sister-in-law (Ann) and one grandson (John Paul Vasquez, Jr.).
He is survived by his brother Perry (Irene) Helmers, of Barstow, CA; three children: Mary (Mike) Pruett, of Rankin, TX, Junior (Heather) Delgado, of Loveland, CO, and John (Mary) Vasquez, of San Antonio, TX. Pappaw had 12 grandkids and 13 great-grandkids. He also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family will hold visitation at the Rankin Park Building on Thursday, January 23, from 9 AM - 11 AM. A celebration of his life will begin at 11 AM, followed by a committal service at the Rankin Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Hugo Carrasco, Jake Clanton, Jonathan Rodriguez, Wesley Pruett, Mark McKenzie, and Johnny Abalos. Honorary Pallbearers are great-grandsons: Brinden Norwood, Taysen Norwood, and Adrien Carrasco.
The family would like to extend our gratitude to Hospice of Odessa and the staff at Medical Center Hospital. We would also like to thank Rural Home Health and his favorite girls, Connie and Maravilla, for their assistance in his care over the last couple of years.
