Obituary: William James Lukens, III

William James Lukens, III

1940 ~ 2007

Born July 30, 1940 in Brawley, CA. Died November 4, 2007 in Bakersfield, CA

Preceded in death by father,

William James Lukens (Jimmy), his parents, Roberta and Walter

Hildebrand, son, Robert Keith and daughter, Zoe Ellen.

Married Joan Ellen Papendick Oct. 9, 1957 in St. George, UT and later sealed in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Survived by his wife Joan (Joanie), son William James Lukens IV (Billy), daughters, Kathleen McNeil and husband, William (Bill), Julie Willey and husband Martin, grandchildren, Jason Lojka and wife Shilo, Trever Lojka (T.J.), Brandon Willey and wife Tina, Sean Willey, Danielle Willey, Holly Lukens, Megan Lukens William James Lukens V (Wil) and great-grandchildren, Kayden Willey and Jackson James Lojka.

Bill spent his life serving others. He began his career as a fire fighter in Palm Springs, CA then moved to Salt Lake City, UT and became the Deputy State Fire Marshall. He then became the Fire Chief for West Valley City. His career then centered on safety and security with LDS Hospital & Utah State Corrections. He and his wife then moved back to CA where he retired as the Safety Manager for the California City Corrections Facility.

Bill was a life long member of the LDS Church where he served lovingly and unselfishly in many church callings including Bishop in Rose Park, UT and Ridgecrest, CA. His last calling of working in the Los Angeles Temple with Joanie was one his greatest joys.

He was very active with the scouting program and held various positions and received their highest hon or, Silver Beaver. He worked with the youth in many aspects and was loved and respected by many.

He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them especially at the annual family reunion. He loved the outdoors and camping. He loved "Dukie" and "The Duke" (John Wayne)! He never was without his cowboy boots and hat! He was very patriotic and loved his country and was very proud of his son and grandson for serving in the military.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the heart felt care given to him and his family at the Bakersfield Heart Hospital, Ridgecrest Regional Hospital and

Loma Linda.

Contributions in his memory can be made to Ronald McDonald House, 11365 Anderson St. Loma Linda, CA 92354 Attn Karen Polk (909) 558 8300.

Visitation will be held on Wed. Nov. 7 from 4-7 p.m. at the S. Norma, Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-day Saints. Funeral Services will be held on Thurs. Nov 8 at 9:30 a.m. at the S. Norma, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Burial will be held in Elsinore Utah on Saturday Nov 10 at 11:30 a.m.

Arrangements are under the direction of Holland & Lyons Mortuary, Ridgecrest C (760) 371-1376.