Ralph S. Lukens, a former longtime Cushing resident and business man, passed away Thursday evening, Feb. 4, 2010, in Las Cruces, NM, at the age of 76 years.
The son of the late Charles F. Lukens and Gladys M. Williams Lukens, Ralph was born on April 7, 1933 in Ripley, OK. He was raised in the Ripley area, later in Tulsa moving to Texas with his parents and family, graduating from Odessa High School, and Odessa College.
He was united in marriage to Emily Luann Headen on August 6, 1955 in Cushing. The couple had lived in several different communities prior to moving back to the Cushing area, spending over 22 years in Odessa where Ralph had worked for Vinson Supply Company. When they came to Cushing they purchased Ward Bootery, later purchasing Chuck’s Appliance. They had owned and operated Chucks Appliance for over 20 years, moving to Las Cruces, NM in 1998. While living in Las Cruces, the couple was in property management at the Mesilla Manor Apartments.
Ralph was a longtime member of the Big Creek Church of The Brethren; he enjoyed working and spending time with his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife of over 54 years, Luann Lukens of the home; his children, Sam Lukens and his wife Rebecca and Valerie Friend and her husband Erik; two sisters, Patty Lukens and Tina Sue Thetford; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.\
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother Charles Lukens.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, Feb. 8, 2010, at 2 P.M. in the Big Creek Church of the Brethren with Pastor John Holderread, officiating.
Burial will follow in the Church Yard Cemetery.