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Harold Wilson 'Hal' Luke

Jul. 18, 1928 - Dec. 2, 2022

Date of Service: Dec. 10, 2022

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Harold Wilson “Hal” Luke, beloved husband, father and grandfather, joined his sweetheart on December 2, 2022. He leaves a legacy of Christlike love and service to a posterity of over 140.

Hal was born July 18, 1928, in Tremonton, Utah, to Harold V. and Sybil Wilson Luke. He grew up in the Springdale/Burley, Idaho, area. He learned to work on the farm alongside his father piling hay by hand and harvesting potatoes. He was milking cows by the age of five! He loved this time with his dad and often spoke fondly of his childhood. He also loved working and playing with his older sister, Beverly, and two younger brothers, Gordon and Clyde. As he got older, he managed the farm under the direction of his father who, out of necessity, went to work at the sugar factory.

He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 16. He graduated from Burley High School in 1946. He attended Brigham Young University where he met his sweetheart, Barbara Gambles. After a beautiful courtship, they were married in the Logan Utah Temple on July 16, 1948. They went on a ten-day honeymoon with a dozen eggs and no cooler and drove on bald tires. Ignorance is bliss.

They settled in Burley where he continued to farm with his dad and was also a 5th/ 6th grade teacher for one year at Miller Elementary School. In 1950, he left the farm and began his career with Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company (Mountain Bell). Besides working for Mountain Bell, he started his own side business in 1965 installing and maintaining security systems. After retiring from Mountain Bell in 1983, he expanded his business into Tele-Security which included telephone repair and installation. Many businesses in the community came to depend on him to maintain their security and phone service. He was a distinguished member of the community, serving in executive positions in the Lions Club. Although he enjoyed serving in the community, his greatest joy came from serving his family and in many positions as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Hal was a true disciple of Christ. After serving as a counselor in four bishoprics, he was called to serve as the first bishop of the newly formed Burley 9th Ward in 1970. He had served as a counselor or bishop for a total of 18 years when he was released in 1975. He served in many other callings in the ward and stake. In 1986, he was ordained as the Burley Stake Patriarch and served for 24 years. He and his wife Barbara served in the New Jersey Morristown Mission office. They also enjoyed their service together in the Logan Utah Temple. Whether he was hoeing beets on the church farm or serving in leadership positions, he gave his all as a faithful, dedicated servant of his Heavenly Father.

Hal was an industrious and self-motivated individual. In 1953 he built their home on East 27th street from the ground up. He grew a large vegetable garden every year and his yard was always meticulously groomed.

He loved spending time with his family whether it was on the ski slopes, the softball field, white water rafting, playing a round of golf, or simply being together. He and Barbara established the tradition of a family reunion every single year.

Hal endeared himself to many through his gentle and kind manner. He was a devoted husband and he and Barbara shared nearly 74 years together. It can be said of him, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”

Hal is survived by his children and their spouses, Cathryn and Terry Garner, Brenda and Bruce Pittard, Kevin and Robyn Luke, Steven and Melody-Ann Luke, and Diane and Chris Crockett; 30 grandchildren; and 82 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Gordon and Clyde Luke.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; his parents; his sisters, Beverly Coltrin and Virginia Luke; and great-grandson, Austin Terry Garner.

The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, December 10, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Burley Stake Center, located at 2050 Normal Ave., in Burley. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, December 9, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday, at the church, preceding the funeral.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/t0H1FPwKsdo.

Condolences for Harold Wilson 'Hal' Luke

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From Gay Dawn and Lonnie Downs:

Dear Luke Family, what a beautiful service for your dear father, grandpa and great-grandpa. The words and music shared were so uplifting and we felt the spirit so strongly. Your parents are certainly missed in 9th Ward. Prayers for continued peace to be with you.

From Teresa (Bill, Jr.) Pettingill:

Sending love and prayers to the whole Luke/Pittard Family at this time of sadness for the loss of your loving dad and grandpa. It was a beautiful Service today and it was heartwarming to see how much the family has grown. What a beautiful legacy Hal and Barbara have built over many years. Like, Debbie and Brian, I know Hal, Barbara, Bill and Pat are having a ball getting re-acquainted once again.
I know Bill, Jr would want to send a special hug to Brenda and Bruce and their wonderful family at this tender time, as well.
Love and Blessing to you all.

From The Matt Monroe Family :

Oh how we love the Lukes! Hal gave me my patriarchal blessing when I was a teenager. We moved back into the ward years later with our own little family, and my husband had the privilege of being their hometeacher for several years. We often made it a family affair~visiting and delivering goodies each month and taking every opportunity we could to stop by. Our kids adored them! So thankful for their example of unwavering faith and kindness.

From Lamar and Ranae Crockett:

Hal and Barbara you will be missed. You both are very special people. You have been very good to our grandchildren, which we share. Im sure you are happy to be together again with Barbara.

From Sister Belliston:

I absolutely loved hearing the stories from my mother about Great Uncle Hal. Although I didn't know him well, I did know that he was a kind hearted man. I will always cherish hearing the stories about he and grandpa were children

From Brent and Myrl Chugg:

We share in your sorrow and have fond memories of Hal and Barbara. We had the great blessing of serving in the ward while he was Bishop and witnessed his great leadership and dedication. We also cherish our relationship with his family. We extend our love and sympathy during this tender time.

From Brian and Debra Barlow :

We are sad for your loss of your dear father but happy that he has returned to a much happier state once again. We are also happy for the grand reunion he is having with your dear mom and many other loved ones including my mom and dad. We all had a great familial friendship for many decades and we cherish all the memories shared. What a great and righteous example your father and mother are as well as each of you. We love you all so much!!! Our hearts and our prayers are with you.

From Al and Kathy Barrus:

Bishop Luke was our Bishop when we moved to Burley. He and Barbara have been wonderful examples and good friends. They will be missed by all who were blessed to know them.

From Kathryn Hall 14:

Hal was a good friend. He and Forrest enjoyed skiing together..and we had many enjoyable times with Hal and Barbara. A very good man.

From Denny and Jan Davis:

I have always loved Bishop and Barbara Luke. Hal was my first bishop in Burley, when I came here as an Agronomy student for the Summer of 1975. In my mind, he was the "Poster Bishop" in every way. . .so kind, gentle and loved everyone. . .even with his "Dennis the Menace's father's (Henry Mitchell's), glasses. Perfect! Now my bishop is gone for a while, but probably because of him and his family, I ended up staying in Burley. We formed a forever friendship. Thank you children, for sharing your father and mother.

From Guy and Lyn Ann Arnell :

We are so sorry to hear of Brother Luke’s passing. We are so sad for your loss but happy for him. They were truly a couple made in heaven. We miss our good friends. We love them. They showed us how to live by their example. They will be missed. They have been great examples to all of us. Our prayers and love to each of you.

From Dile and Lynda Monson:

It’s so happy/sad to hear of his passing: happy for him and sad for us. We loved your parents so much! They are sorely missed!

From Shanna (Koyle) Farwell:

Learning about Hal’s passing has brought back many memories. I loved your family.

From Sheila B. Adams:

Hal was so kind and always willing to come with emergency help to or office. First IT guy I ever met!

From Grant and Ina Rae Jarman :

So sorry about Hal's passing but glad he is with his sweetheart again. They have always been such an example to us. We love them and their family.

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