Obituary of Larry Lukens

Coffeyville - Larry Alvin Lukens, 70, went to be with his Lord on November 7, 2013, at Freeman Health Systems in Joplin, MO. He was born on May 27, 1943, at Webb City, MO to Thomas Alvin and Ruth Alice (LaRue) Lukens. Larry grew up and attended school in Altamont, KS graduating from Labette County High School in 1961. He was a Viet Nam War veteran serving in the U.S. Navy from 1962 to 1964 on the USS Iwo Jima. He married Sandra Mitchell in 1962, they were later divorced. After his tour in the Navy he married Ruth Ann Starling on April 15, 1965, they were divorced in 1980. On April 12, 1980, he married Sonja Suzanne (Zillifro) Jett. Following their marriage they made their home in Coffeyville where Larry was employed at Funk Mfg. (John Deere Coffeyville Works) retiring after 40 years of employment in 2006. He also worked for the Sanitation Dept. in Kansas City, Hardees, Century 21, Wendy's, the Independence Reporter, and Security at CVR in Coffeyville where he worked until his death. Larry loved hunting especially for Deer, he also enjoyed fishing, junking scrap metal, and working on cars. He especially loved his 1962 Ford Pick Up that he, his sons, and friends had restored. His life was built around his beloved wife, his kids, grandkids, and his church. He leaves a hole in the lives of his many friends and family members. He is survived by his wife, Sonja Lukens of the home; seven children, Roy Lukens and wife Laresa of Coffeyville, Randy Lukens and wife Chrystal of Dearing, Tina Myers and husband David of Caney, Chuck Lukens and Nichole of Whidbey Island, WA, Matthew Lukens and wife Keri of Coffeyville, Jamie Lukens and wife Kyrie of Coffeyville, and Cassie Lukens of Coffeyville; twenty-one grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren with another one due in Deccember; and his beloved pets, Sadie, Beau, Ginger, and Smoky. He was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Terri Searles. Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at the First Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Ford Hall officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery with military honors conducted by the U.S. Navy. Friends may call on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to the First Church of the Nazarene; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.