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Samuel J. Luke

Samuel J. Luke, 93, of Kittanning, PA, passed away Monday, January 8, 2018 at Indiana Regional Medical Center.

He was born May 15, 1924 in Rayburn Twp., Armstrong Co., PA, to James Lynn Luke and Rhoda Bell (Peters) Luke.

Sam graduated from Kittanning High School in 1942 and honorably served in the US Navy during World War II, fighting in the Battle of Okinawa aboard the USS Yokes. He previously worked as a sales clerk at Einstein and Campbell Men's Clothing Store in Kittanning for 15 years, and then for 30 years worked as a freight agent for the Pittsburg & Shawmut Railroad, retiring in 1990. Following Sam's retirement from the railroad, he worked part-time for Bauer Family Funeral Homes. Woodworking was his favorite hobby, and he was a previous member of the Coudersport Consistory and a member of Kittanning Masonic Lodge #244. Sam belonged to the Kittanning United Methodist Church where he was an original member of the "Three Rs" committee and also served the congregation in various other ways.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 69 years, Mary Jane (Christy) Luke, whom he married August 10, 1948; twin sons, David Alan Luke and Dennis James Luke and wife, Debbie, all of Kittanning; brother-in-law, Thomas L. Christy, Jr., of Indiana, PA; nephews, Jeffrey L. Christy and wife, Kym, of Rural Valley, and Tim George, of Indiana, PA; and niece, Joyce Foster, of Mansfield, MA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Beulah Foster Ludwick and Sarah Fink; sister-in-law, Betty Christy; nephew, Victor E. Fink; and nieces, Patricia "Pat" Fink Kinson and Natalie George.

Family and friends will be received from 3 PM until the time of funeral services at 6 PM on Friday, January 12, 2018 at Bauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 515 N. McKean Street, Kittanning, with Pastor Stephen Bond officiating. Following the service, military honors will be presented by the American Legion Honor Guard.

Burial will be in Kittanning Cemetery, Kittanning, PA.

Contributions can be made in Sam's memory to the First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 301 N. Jefferson St., Kittanning, PA 16201, or Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, www.givetochildrens.com/donate.

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