BLOOMINGTON - Richard H. Lukens, 91, Bloomington, died at 9:10 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 30, 2008) at Heartland Healthcare Center, Normal.

His funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. today at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, with the Rev. Lori Harvey officiating. Burial will be at East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington, with military rites by Carl S. Martin Post 635, Normal. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. today at the memorial home.

Memorials may be made to Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington.

Richard was born Sept. 1, 1917, at Farmer City, son of John W. and Gertrude Sparrow Lukens. He married Jean Barnhart on July 28, 1941, at Alexandria, La. Jean survives of Bloomington.

Also surviving are children, Judy (Charles) Hoback and Diane Engle, both of Bloomington, Ill.; and John (Cassie) Lukens, Bloomington, Ind.; brother, Lloyd (Mildred) Lukens, Urbana; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

His parents, six brothers and three sisters preceded him in death.

Richard was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Normal. He was a World War II Army veteran. He was a member of Golden K Kiwanis, VFW and Retired Teachers Association. He taught at Bloomington High School, retiring in 1976.

Richard graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor's degree and master's degree in agriculture. He also received a master's degree in chemistry from the University of Texas.

He dearly loved the outdoors, especially fishing and camping. He was an avid sports fan, with an emphasis on football. He had a great passion for poetry. He also loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.-;