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Luther Deese Obituary
LUTHER HENRY
Ocala - Luther Henry Deese, Jr., 78, passed away May 14, 2019. He was born August 2, 1940, at a U.S. Marine Corp Hospital in Quantico Virginia to the late Luther Deese Sr. and Lucille Johnson Barker.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Joannie; sons, Robert Deese (Dawn), Luke 'Buddy' Deese; brothers, Sam Shumate, James Barker; sister, Sue Barker; and two grandchildren, Nico and Deanna.
His family moved to Ocala in 1947 when he was six years old. He attended Ocala High School where he served as senior class president for the class of 58'. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force who's aptitude tests that led him to take Mandarin Chinese at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. While there, he met the love of his life, Joannie, at a basketball game. They were later married at Saint Anthony Catholic Church on March 31, 1962. After eight years in the Air Force, Luther had an incredible 32 year career defending our nation with the NSA.
Luther was well known for his kindness, generosity, and being an amazing friend. Having retired back to his hometown of Ocala in the late 90's where he quickly re-connected with his classmates. He loved nothing more than touring the Harris Chain of Lakes in his boat with friends enjoying the day as well as spending time with his family.
Luther had made his final wishes known that he wanted no one to mourn his passing. Instead he would like the family to have a celebration of his life that will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Countryside Funeral Home, Anthony, FL.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Luther Deese
Sponsored by Ocala.com.
Homer Waring
June 12, 2019
Luther was a good friend for over 50 years. I will miss him and his always interesting e-mail.
JD
May 28, 2019
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)
Donald Alston
May 25, 2019
Luther was a part of our life from high
school to the present. I always looked for
his updates to the meetings at Gator Joes
every month. he kept us together with his photos & updates. We have lost a part of our past with his passing. My condolences to the family.
Diane Maxson Masters
May 24, 2019
Dear Joannie and Family,
I'll always remember our years together in
Taiwan fondly. You and the other "pioneers"
who were there before us helped so much in
our acclimation to a new culture. Through
the years, I know that Luther was instrumental in organizing reunions for the
gang. I didn't realize that Ocala was his
old stomping ground, and I'm so glad that you got to enjoy lots of retirement years there - not enough, I know. God bless you and comfort you all as you mourn his passing and celebrate his very full life!
How you can show support
Pat Taylor
May 24, 2019
Luther was a great friend, co-worker, humorist, and mentor. Sandy and I mourn his passing and remember him with fondness.
Gil Taylor
May 21, 2019
Luther was a loyal friend of so many. I will miss him so very much as he has been an important element in my life for 20+ years.
One of many long time friends. Hope you and Jim are enjoying a cold beer and reminiscing about days like this
Rob Deese
May 21, 2019
Siblings
Rob Deese
May 21, 2019
2 generations of Luthers
Rob Deese
May 21, 2019
Anniversary Gift with restored wedding pic
Rob Deese
May 21, 2019
Rob Deese
May 21, 2019
Rob Deese
May 21, 2019
Capt Luther
Rob Deese
May 21, 2019
Chuck & Connie Sjolie
May 21, 2019
Chuck enjoyed many boat trips and restaurant sessions with Luther over the last several years of retirement. Before that, they were together at work at NSA, at the IFEL at Yale, and in Taiwan, Okinawa, Maryland and Florida. So their journeys have connected a lot along the way.
To say we will miss Luther is a huge understatement. He was just always there, as a friend and a mentor. We enjoyed his wit and his generosity.
Now, at this sad time, we wish all of his friends and family, Joanie, Rob and Buddy especially (and Barney, too) our deepest sympathy.
Life just won't be the same without him. I miss you dad
Rob Deese
May 21, 2019
Teresa Fletcher
May 21, 2019
I'm very sad about Luther's passing. He was loved by many. So sorry. Look forward to his celebration of life. Much love to Joni and family.
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