Richard L. Luther, Jr

Richard L. Luther, Jr, (RL, Dick) age 100 years plus 6 days, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 18, 2023, with his family by his side.  He was born in Wheeling, LA to Richard Lee Luther, Sr, and Minnie Kieffer.  Until his death, he was counted as one of the last few remaining Winn Parish (LA) born WWII veterans; he served his country proudly as an Army Combat Engineer in the US and the European Theater from 1943-46.  He was a resident of Baton Rouge and Walker, LA for more than 65 years.  He was the owner of Luther’s Barber Shop in Twin Cedars Shopping Center (later Bocage Village), retiring at the age of 85 only because “he wanted to”. He loved his family and was a God-fearing man never missing an opportunity to witness for the Lord.  He prayed fervently for family members and for those whom God placed in his path.  As a lay pastor he shared the Gospel in churches and at Angola Prison.  He was a 50+ year member of Gideons International and actively placed thousands of Bibles in schools/hotels during his tenure.  He was a faithful member of the Cross Truth Church, Satsuma, LA shepherded by Pastor Wayne Mack who will be conducting the funeral service. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Audie Nadine Tilton, brothers Willard, Burnell and James Luther and survived by one brother, Thomas Ezra Luther.  He was preceded in death by his first wife, Donnie Mary McDonald, with whom his children were born: Myra Dianne Luther Miller (Marvin), Norma Nadine Luther Mann (Mickey) and John Vernon Luther. 

Two families were blended by marriage when God brought Marie Lovett Wesley and son Jeffery L. Wesley (presently married to Cindy), into his family over 49 years ago.  Grandchildren from both marriages include Brent Marvin Miller (Susan), Regan Renee Miller Reier (Tim), Micah John Luther, Marshall Brennan Luther (Janice), Jennifer Wesley Welborn (Wade), Katie Wesley Guessfeld (Dustin), Nathan and Beau Horton, and David Horton (deceased).

Great-grandchildren include Victoria Reier Fortenberry (Matt); John Christian Reier; Amelia Grace Welborn; Lola Marie and Boston Grey Guessfeld; Konnor Weiss; Jeremiah Ruff (Amanda) and their children: great-great grands Ashley Noel, Scott, Amara, Jaden and Elise.

Pallbearers: Micah and Marshall Luther, Wade Welborn, Dustin Guessfeld, Clint Lovett and Ian Elliott.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Brent Miller, John Christian Reier, Elmo Lovett, Jr, Jimmy Lovett, Melvin Bourque, and Terry Long   

A special thanks to Life Source Hospice staff for the loving care and prayers given to Richard and his family by Administrator Michele Browning; Registered Nurse Lorraine Crifasi; Hospice Chaplains Cedric Murphy and Hardie Midkiff; Social Service Staff Brittany Grant; Nursing Aides Laura Burton and Joanie Wells; and Marketer Travis D’Aquilla. 

Visitation will be held at Revival Temple Church (Main Sanctuary, behind the old church) 28521 Walker South Rd, Walker, LA on Monday, January 23, 2023, from 9am-12 noon with service following.  Interment to follow at Palmetto Cemetery on Burgess Rd.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Gideons International www.gideons.org/donate or to Rancho Louisiana Ministries, 1474 West Price Road, Suite 7 No. 416, Brownsville, Texas 78520.