Gerald Luther Obituary

Gerald "Jerry" Walter Luther, 77, died Thursday, April 30, 2009, at his home in Durango. He was 78.

Mr. Luther was born on Aug. 20, 1931, in Animas City, the son of Walter and Irene (Dailey) Luther. He grew up in the Durango area and attended school at the Animas School, St. Columba and Smiley. He began working at a young age, something he would continue to do for the rest of his life. But as his family said, "Work was his hobby."

He began this diligence at the Graden Grain and Flour mill, but he soon migrated into construction, working for various companies in the area. He also worked as a mechanic, logger and electrician.

He started his own business, Jerry Luther Excavation, and operated it for 33 years. Around age 62, Mr. Luther retired. And on April 7 of this year, he and his wife, Louise, celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. Mr. Luther enjoyed Colorado and was a "jack of all trades."

He is survived by his wife, Louise Luther, of Durango; sons, Alvin Luther of Durango and Mike Luther of Silverton; daughter, Linda Wilson, of Bloomfield, N.M., sister, Margaret Standridge of Norman, Okla.; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren,He was preceded in death by a daughter, Diane Luther, and brother, Eugene Luther.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The Rev. Antonio Flores will officiate. Recitation of the Rosary will be Monday, May 4, 2009, at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart. Burial will occur at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 96280, Washington, DC, 20077 or to the charity of the donor's choice.