Luke Sterling
Luke Sterling, 76 of Texas City passed away July 28, 2016 in Texas City, Texas.
Luke was born in Panama, Oklahoma in 1940. His parents moved to Galveston, Texas during World War II, and the family moved to Texas City when he was a teenager. He graduated from La Marque High School, and then served in the United States Navy for 11 years, marrying and having two children during that tenure. A portion of his service time was spent in Key West during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Post-military, he worked at Union Carbide in Texas City as a Boilermaker, then Operations Supervisor, for 33 years. He was also a member of the Grand Lodge of Texas, Lodge 1118 in Texas City, the Eastern star Chapter 626 and Elks Lodge #2322 in Kemah. He loved being a Mason and took great joy in his service to mankind in that role. He loved sailing, was a long time member of the Texas Mariners Cruising Association, and spent many happy hours in Trinity Bay and Galveston Bay, as well as offshore, in pursuit of the happiness.
He and Linda made so many good friends in membership of those organizations. He was a wonderful, caring man who loved his family and friends and will be missed greatly by all those who knew and loved him and those who sailed, walked, ran, of drove into his life.
Luke is survived by: spouse Linda Fuel; daughter Jerri L. Woodford granddaughters Angela Grindele and Megan Robertson, great granddaughters Riley Robertson and Emilee Grindele; son Luther Ervin Sterling III, granddaughter Kylie Sterling and Regan Sterling, grandson Marshall Sterling; stepdaughter Sissy Fuel, grandson Rickey LaBlue; stepson James Fuel and wife Vickey Fuel, granddaughter Kaelyn Fuel, Rachel Fuel, Sarah Fuel and great granddaughter Olivia Fuel; and preceded in death by his father Luther Ervin Sterling Sr., mother Emma Lou Sterling , and brothers Charles Sterling and William Sterling Sr.
A Memorial Visitation will be Saturday, August 6, 2016 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm with a Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m. at the Texas City Masonic Lodge, 702 – 14th Street North, Texas City, Texas.
The family would like to thank A-Med Hospice for the wonderful care they gave Luke, especially Angie, Paula, Tramica and Kim. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to A-Med Hospice in Texas City, M.D. Anderson in Houston or the Masonic Lodge 1118 in Texas City.
My father, Luke, was a gentleman who made friends wherever he went. I have resided in Florida for over 15 years, so I did not get to see him very often, but we phoned each other. I was with him for several days while he was still responsive, and will be forever grateful that I was able to. When he passed, his wife, Linda, and I were right there by his side. He went very peacefully, and I thank God for the tranquility of it. He is now without pain, and I have faith that he is continuing on his spiritual journey having cast aside this sometimes very difficult mortal existence – this vale of tears.
Linda and family so sorry for your great loss. Luke was a very unique man with many loves and likes in his life, his biggest Linda, his children/grandchildren and many friends. I met Luke through mutual friends, then later I met Linda. We all had many good times doing what ever it was we were doing. Linda his love for you was so very great and it started at a very young age and lasted through all these years. Luke took his wings sooner than we wanted, however he’ll always be with you, watching over you with more love. His love, fun and generous ways will be missed very much. My love and prayers will be with you at this time. Give me a call and we’ll get together remising on old times.