Gerald F. Luke

Gerald Francis Luke Sr. was born June 10, 1944, to the late Joseph and Lillie Luke in New Orleans, Louisiana.  A native of New Orleans, Gerald completed his high school education at George Washington Carver High School.  He attended Grambling College where he shined as a percussionist playing the cymbals and snare drums in the award-winning Grambling Tigers Marching Band.

After hurricane Bessie hit New Orleans in 1965, Gerald made the decision to leave New Orleans and move to California where he met the love of his life, Brenda Lue Simon. They married and raised 4 children: Lisa, Gerald Jr., LaKisha, Lauren and their bonus daughter, Germaine.

Gerald accepted Christ and found his church home at West Angeles Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr. where he praised the Lord with abandon every Sunday.  He had a very strong faith in God and prayer life.  He lived his favorite bible scripture, Matthew 6 and would quote this scripture and tell folks, “Don’t worry, tomorrow will take care of itself. Trust in the Lord.”

Gerald was a provider and hardworking man. He was a Bus Operator and Line Instructor for the Rapid Transit District (RTD) for 26 years. He was awarded the Operator of the Month Merit award in 1985 where his picture was posted on every RTD bus in the city. His colleagues appreciated him for sharing all of his skills to make them skillful Bus Operators. His passengers loved him for being so kind to them and for giving them service with a smile. Gerald retired from RTD/MTA after 33 years of service.

Family meant everything to him.  He bragged about his wife, children and grandchildren everywhere he went. He was a very sentimental man especially when it came to his family.  He loved Valentine’s Day and showered his wife and children with flowers, cards and candy.  His New Orleans family held a special place in his heart. He loved his siblings fiercely.  He would visit them as often as he could.

Gerald never knew a stranger because upon meeting his 100 watt smile, charismatic personality, jokes and laughter, you surely became his friend.  He showed love to the sick and shut-in by visiting them in their homes and while in hospital. He and Brenda were the King and Queen of hospitality welcoming you with a meal, a drink and excellent company.  You probably were “held hostage” at the house because he never wanted his company to leave even if he fell asleep at the table while talking to you. He loved to walk around the neighborhood and talk to his neighbors. He was known as “The Mayor of 10th Avenue.”

He was a sharp dresser. He loved to play billiards, fishing, and was a proficient dominos player. He enjoyed watching sports and going to live sporting events. He loved cars and going to car shows.

He had a great sense of adventure. He knew LA like the back of his hand and would take people out to show them the sights.  He loved to explore, go to concerts and travel. In his later years he was blessed to have traveled to the Dominican Republic and Middle East where he rode his first Camel.

On Thursday, March 24, 2022, in Los Angeles, California while in his home and surrounded by the love of his family, Gerald Luke Sr. was called home to eternal rest from earthly labor, and the pain of cancer to heavenly rewards.  He was blessed to have 77 years of life. “He fought the good fight, he finished the race and he kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:7, he will be greatly missed.

Maintaining his legacy are his wife of 54 years Brenda Luke: children: Lisa Pearson (Martin), Gerald F. Luke Jr. (Nadine), LaKisha Luke, Lauren Luke and Germaine Jackson: Sister: Catherine L. Phipps of New Orleans, LA, 2 Brothers: Steven Luke Sr. (Bernadine) of New Orleans, LA, Jerome Luke (Juanita) of Hoover, AL; Uncle: Hollis Wilkins Sr.; Grandchildren: Myles Sumlin (Lezley), Tiara Luke, Jelani Luke, Adia Luke, Myles Pearson and Marcellus Pearson; Great-Granddaughter: Frances Blue Sumlin; Godchildren: Gilbert Luke Jr., Lisa Luke, and Steven Smith; Lifelong friends: Don Bailey, Joe Brown, Lee Coleman, Bobby Hall, Percy Holden, Robert Mc Fadden, Rudy Williams, Ron Wright, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lillie Luke, his maternal and paternal grandparents; Brothers: Joseph Luke, Gilbert Luke, Albert Luke Sr., Kenneth A. Luke; Sisters: Lynn Luke Lastrapes, Cheryl Luke Gibbs, and Kaaren Luke Williams.