Maurice Luke, age 74, of Glendive, passed away on December 7, 2016 at the Glendive Medical Center.
Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 11, 2016, at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 12, 2016 at the First Baptist Church in Glendive, with Reverend Jim Squires officiating. Silha Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Maurice C. Luke was born in Glendive to John W. and Anita “Pat” Patzer Luke on May 3, 1942.
Maurice attended elementary school at the Washington school less than ½ block from his house. He graduated from DCHS in 1960 where he was an accomplished music student. He later graduated from Dickinson State College with a major in music.
His music teaching career took him to the Richardton–Taylor, Steele and Belfield, N.D. school systems. He then took a position in Cascade, Mont. where his band made annual trips to march in parades in California.
Maurice left teaching and returned to Glendive when his father’s health failed and his mom needed his help.
He then took a job driving truck for a pipeline company. He ran a prover truck and later focused on rebuilding pumps. He played a significant role when a pipeline broke under the Yellowstone river in getting the proper people and technology to the site.
Maurice was an active member of the Ham Radio club in Glendive and had shortwave contacts from around the world.
In his early 20s Maurice served as a lifeguard at the swimming pools in Glendive and Wibaux. He was instrumental in organizing the Glendive swim team that has been active for over 50 years.
Not one to share much information, Maurice was once asked whose nice car was parked out in front of his house. He quickly responded, that belongs to Betty Lou. Thus, the story of the phantom girlfriend was born. Maurice had purchased the car from Jim Thielman as part of his mom’s estate.
Maurice is survived by a cousin, Helen Nees in Stevensville, Mont. His older sister died as an infant. His dad John lived into his late 70s and his mom passed away at 93.
Memorials remembering him are suggested to the Greater Glendive Foundation, Box 1122, Glendive, MT 59330.
Among the many who called Maurice their friend are: Scott and Ann Mills, Ann Huebert, Ty and Vicky Edelman, Tim O’Donnell and Jim Squires.
Remembrances and Condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.