Funeral services for Richard (Ricky) William Luke, Jr., 58, will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Teague. Darrell Gunter and Bro. Scott Matthews will officiate. Interment will follow at Driver Cemetery in Teague.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 20, 2021 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Bowers Funeral Home in Teague.
Richard (Ricky) William Luke Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Freestone County, Texas on the morning of Sunday, August 15, 2021 after a long courageous battle with cancer. Ricky was born on October 31, 1962, in Franklin, Louisiana. He was a graduate of New Iberia Senior High School in 1981 and the Oklahoma Farriers College in Sperry, Oklahoma in 1981.
Ricky’s first rodeo was probably a Little Britches Rodeo in south Louisiana. His love for roping and training horses took him to the High School Rodeo National Finals in Washington and South Dakota, and later to a horse ranch in Tishomingo, Oklahoma where he met his wife, Jacqueline (Chris) Luke.
Ricky was eager to support all who shared his passion for rodeo – especially tie down roping – teaching youth, amateur, and professional champions over three decades. Ricky brought the same devotion to his Christian faith, as a quiet but effective mentor in the Freestone County community, leaving many with valuable lessons that will serve generations to come. Ricky roped in his final rodeo in Mexia, Texas in front of his entire family in 2018.
He will be remembered as a devoted husband, the most loving father, a proud grandfather, and a loyal friend. Ricky also enjoyed his dogs and cattle, golf, hunting, and entertaining his loved ones and strangers alike with stories, mostly about south Louisiana.
Ricky is survived by his parents, Elaine & Richard Luke, Sr.; his wife, Jacqueline (Chris) Luke; his son, Adam Luke & wife Samiksha Nair; one grandson, Ashvin Luke; his daughter, Jessica Luke Baumgartner & husband James; two sisters, Pamela and Virginia Luke; niece, Shelby Walters; and so many special family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Western Wishes at www.westernwishes.org.
Please visit our website at www.bowersfuneralhome.net to sign the memorial guestbook or to leave a message for the family.
