Melvin Ed Luker

1943 – 2021

Our loving husband, father, brother and grandfather, Melvin Ed Luker, age 78, passed away on December 29, 2021, following a surgical procedure to remove blood that was creating pressure on his brain. Mel was born on December 18, 1943 to Eldred William Luker and Ruth Olive Opil Hendrickson in Salt Lake City, Utah. He married Eileen Joan Goodfellow on September 20, 1967, and their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on November 7, 1969. Mel and Eileen were blessed with three children, Laura, Angie and Jared. They built a home in South Jordan, Utah in 1972 which is where they raised their family and still reside.

In Mel’s youth, he enjoyed participating in sports. He especially enjoyed tennis, baseball and football. He enjoyed walking and walked everywhere he wanted to go no matter how far. He was skilled in making things out of leather and made numerous belts, wallets, and anything else he could think of.

Mel and his sister, Darlene, were very close in age and in their relationship. They spoke to one another on the phone every day. She will especially miss their special phone calls and his funny laugh.

Mel’s purpose in life was to work hard and provide for his family. He worked for Kennecott Copper at the Utah Power Plant for 30+ years and retired in 2002. He often volunteered to work double shifts. He was respected and showed the younger employees what “a day’s work for a day’s pay” really meant. He was a hard worker all his life, both on the job and at home. He believed it was important to work, and when his health prevented him from doing so, he was frustrated by his physical limitations. He was very frugal with his money and tried to teach his children the importance of living within their means.

Mel Volunteered at the Jordan River Temple as a temple worker from 1999-2005 and enjoyed his time there very much. He liked being in the temple early in the morning and was always very dependable.

Mel loved animals. He always had dogs and cats that he loved and took care of. Many were strays that just came along and needed a home, and he was happy to provide one. During the course of his married life there was, Kelly, Mandy, Missy, Cassie, Sophie, and his most recent companion, Mia. His dogs were his buddies and he loved them all unconditionally, and they loved him in return.

He also loved good music and liked to sing along with the crooners of the 1940s and the 1950s, especially Nat King Cold and Frank Sinatra, who were his favorites.

Mel is survived by his eternal companion Eileen; children Laura (Steve) Underwood, Angie (Carey) McClellan and Jared (Jen) Luker and eight grandchildren: Millennia and Micah Underwood; Colby and Case McClellan; and Tanner, Gavin, Sydnee, and Ellie Luker. He is also survived by his brother, Eldred William Luker, Jr. and his sister, Darlene Luker Kalm.

He was proceeded in death by his parents as well as his sister, Loraine Emily, and a brother, Van Thomas, both of whom died before Mel was born.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 10, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Midas Creek Stake Center, 10860 S. 3200 W., South Jordan, UT with a viewing from 9:30-10:30 a.m. A viewing will also be held Sunday evening January 9, 2022 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the same location.

Interment will be held at Memorial Mortuaries and Cemeteries, 6500 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan, UT