Howard E. Luke
Howard E. Luke, 94, of Farmers Retreat passed away at 8:20 a.m., Monday, May 4, 2020 at the home of his daughter near Dillsboro. He was born on October 16, 1925 near Farmers Retreat and spent his entire life on the farm he was born on. He was married to Dorothy Elaine Wesemann on November 25, 1949 and she preceded him in death on November 19, 2013.
Survivors include one son Dennis (Brenda) Luke of Holton; two daughters Connie (Kenneth) Griffin of Dillsboro, and Sandy (Gene) Lang of Aurora; five grandchildren Amy (Geoff) Ashcraft, Jason Luke, April (Duke) Johnson, David Luke, and Hannah Griffin; 3 great-grandchildren Madison and Elaina Ashcraft, and Aurora Johnson. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his grandson Keith Lang, his brothers Irvin and Edwin Luke, and his sisters Elma Schmale, Marida Kuhlman, and Loretta Thieme.
Mr. Luke was a 1944 graduate of Dillsboro High School. Howard was a lifelong farmer and also had worked for the Indiana State Highway Department in Aurora for 12 years. He was also active in many civic and political arenas. These included serving as a director and officer for the Southeastern Indiana Rural Telephone Company for 21 years and being active in Dearborn County Republican politics where he served as a precinct committeeman in Caesar Creek Township for 50 plus years. His time as a director for the phone co-op also gave him the opportunity to serve on committees on the state and national level. Howard also spent 40 years as a director and officer for the Southeastern Indiana Feeder Auction near Osgood and served as a president, director, and adjuster for the Farmers Mutual Aid Insurance Company.
He was a bus driver for 16 years for the Dillsboro and South Dearborn schools and was very active in the Dillsboro Civic Club. Howard and Elaine were honored as senior king and queen for the Dillsboro Homecoming in 2007. Howard was a lifetime member of the St. John Lutheran Church at Farmers Retreat. Howard was also selected as outstanding citizen of year for the town of Dillsboro.
Due to the current health pandemic funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family at the St. John Lutheran Church in Farmers Retreat with Pastor Ronald Stephens officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Memorials may be given to the St. John Lutheran Church or the Dillsboro Civic Club in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. If you would like a Hugs from Home card given to Howard’s family to express your condolences in your absence please contact the funeral home at 812-689-1171. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
