The Shadow
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Robert Richard (Bob) Luther, age 81, of Clifton Forge, passed away Saturday, November 8, 2014, surrounded by his family at Roanoke Memorial Hospital following a sudden illness.
He was born on December 10, 1932 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and graduated from Richland High School. He served in the United States Army then received a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. He began his engineering career at Hercules, Inc., in Cumberland, Maryland where he met his wife of 51 years, Rita. He worked for Hercules for 35 years. He was Plant Engineer and finished his career as senior engineer in Research and Development. He was a very active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Clifton Forge. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family, being outdoors, reading, traveling, and riding his grandkids’ bikes. He was a man of few words and high integrity.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Mildred Luther, sister-in-law Mary Ann Luther, and niece, Julie Ann Luther. He was also preceded in death by his wife’s siblings, Wilbur (Eleanor), Paul (Frances) and LaVerne (Charles).
He is survived by his wife, Rita Ellen Luther, daughter Susan Trongard (Dean) of Minneapolis, MN, son Rick Luther (Angela) of Newark, DE, son Gary Luther (Dawn) of Roanoke, VA, daughter Ann Russell (Mike) of Roanoke, VA, and grandchildren, Patrick, Noah, Morgan, Ian, Drew, Scott, Kristen, Kara, Adam and Eli. He is also survived by brother Barry Luther (Lois), special aunt Ednamae Hockensmith, cousin Jane Milkie, brother-in-law Foster (Helen) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation took place Monday evening, Nov. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. with a Christian Wake Service conducted at 7:00 p.m. at Nicely Funeral Home in Clifton Forge, VA. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Clifton Forge with Father Tom Collins officiating, followed by a luncheon in the parish hall.
Interment was made on Tuesday at 4 p.m. in St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery, Roanoke, VA.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Joseph Catholic Church.
To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com.
