Norman "Norm" Eugene Luke

Norman "Norm" Eugene Luke, 82, of Gastonia, passed away peacefully on
December 4, 2022, at Accordius of Gastonia. He was born on February 17,
1940, in Twin Falls, Idaho to the late Clinton Larmar Luke and Emma
Smith Luke. He was born in a home filled with love, hard work, music, and
laughter.

Norm was an exceptional athlete and excelled during his adolescence and
high school years. He triumphed in track and field competitions, breaking
state and regional records. His father, who coached at BYU, was always his
best coach. It was during these years he also learned to love the outdoors;
hiking, swimming, and fishing were his favorites. Some of his favorite
memories included going to Redfish Lake to camp and fish with his father,
brothers, and brothers-in-law.

He enjoyed music and was taught piano from early childhood by his
mother. He played classical, hymns, and jazz. He loved playing in church
and at his home with the children and grandchildren. In addition, he played
the saxophone in his school band and in a dance band combo called “The
Stardusters."

Norman was a 1958 graduate of Twin Falls High School. He furthered his
college education by attending The University of Idaho, where he was a
member of the Delta Chi Fraternity. During his sophomore year, he was
called by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to serve as a
missionary in the Atlantic States Mission. The impact of his missionary
service in the Charlotte area remains evident today.

After returning from his Mission, he enrolled in the University of North
Carolina Charlotte to complete his degree in Business Administration. He
was a member of the Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity. After
graduation, he was employed by EXXON Corp Charlotte, NC. He joined the
US Air Force during the Vietnam War and served three years.
In 1964, Norman married Barbara Jo Markes, the mother of his children
Preston and Chad Luke. In 2001, he married his current wife, Linda Susan
Hall Luke, mother to Misty Helsabeck.

He was also a lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, serving as Deacon, Teacher, Priest, Elder, Seventy, and High Priest.
His callings included Deacons Quorum Advisor, Young Men's President,
Seminary Teacher, 1st Counselor State Mission Presidency, Scout Master,
1st Counselor Bishopric, High Councilman, and High Priest Group Leader.
Norman was a leader in the Boy Scouts of America Organization.

He devoted over 40 years to the scouting program by guiding, teaching, and
mentoring hundreds of youth. His impact will be felt for generations. He
was proud of his scouts, especially those who obtained the Eagle Scout
Award, including his sons, Preston and Chad, and grandson Taylor.

His career in medical sales began with Deseret Medical Company
(Operating Room Division) in Charlotte, NC, Warner-Lambert Company
(Medical Equipment Division) in Charlotte, NC, Becton Dickinson (Medical
Equipment Division) in Charlotte, NC, and Norm Luke & Associates, Inc.
(Manufacture Rep, Medical Supplies.) Norman was self-employed at
Norman Luke Consulting, Inc. of Charlotte, NC, and associated with Larry
Burnett & Associates, Inc. in Winston Salem, NC.

Survivors include his loving wife of 22 years, Linda Susan Hall Luke; sons,
Preston Eugene Luke (Rachel) and Chad Christopher Luke (Shawn); stepdaughter, Misty Rumbley Helsabeck (John); 11 grandchildren, Annie,
Taylor, Sophie, Emelia, Jacob, Katie, Bailey, Ellie, Maddie, Michael, and
Atlas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He dearly loved his dog Fletcher.
He is preceded in death by his siblings, June Maurine Luke Smith, Derwent
Elman Luke, William Smith Luke, Betty Ruth Armga, Clinton Lamar Luke,
J. Preston Luke, and Emma Lou Luke Rogers.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Monday, December 19, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Blvd, Salisbury, NC 28144.  A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. with a Memorial service held at 2:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2710 Redbud Dr, Gastonia, NC 28056 with Bishop Gary Mills officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the church missionary fund, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Bishop Gary L. Mills, Gastonia Ward, 2571 Kinmere Dr., Gastonia, NC 28056-7819.