Gerald Francis Luke Sr. was born June 10, 1944, to the late Joseph and Lillie Luke in New Orleans, Louisiana. A native of New Orleans, Gerald completed his high school education at George Washington Carver High School.
He attended Grambling College where he shined as a percussionist playing the cymbals and snare drums in the award-winning Grambling Tigers Marching Band.
Gerald moved to Los Angeles, CA in 1965 where he met the love of his life, Brenda Lue Simon. They married and raised 4 children: Lisa, Gerald Jr., LaKisha, Lauren and their bonus daughter, Germaine.
Gerald accepted Christ and found his church home at West Angeles Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr. where he praised the Lord with abandon every Sunday.
He was a bus operator and line instructor for the Rapid Transit District (RTD)/Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). He was awarded the “Operator of the Month Merit Award” in 1985 with his picture posted on every RTD/MTA bus in the city. Gerald retired from RTD/MTA after 33 years of service.
Gerald never knew a stranger because upon meeting his 100-watt smile, charismatic personality, jokes and laughter, you surely became his friend. He was known as “The Mayor of 10th Avenue” and is the subject of the children’s book, “My Grandpa is the Mayor of 10th Avenue.”
He was a sharp dresser. He loved to play billiards, fishing, and was a proficient dominos player. He enjoyed watching sports and going to live sporting events. He loved cars and going to car shows. He loved to explore, go to concerts and travel. In his later years, he was blessed to travel to the Dominican Republic and Middle East where he rode his first Camel.
On Thursday, March 24, 2022, in Los Angeles, California, while in his home and surrounded by the love of his family, Gerald Luke Sr. was called home to eternal rest from earthly labor, and the pain of cancer to heavenly rewards. He was blessed to have 77 years of life.
“He fought the good fight, he finished the race and he kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7. He will be greatly missed.
Maintaining his legacy are his wife of 54 years, Brenda Luke; children, Lisa Pearson (Martin), Gerald F. Luke Jr. (Nadine), LaKisha Luke, Lauren Luke and Germaine Jackson; sister, Catherine L. Phipps of New Orleans, Louisiana; brothers, Steven (Bernadine) Luke Sr. of New Orleans and Jerome (Juanita) Luke of Hoover, Alabama; uncle, Hollis Wilkins, Sr.; grandchildren, Myles (Lezley) Sumlin, Tiara Luke, Jelani Luke, Adia Luke, Myles Perason and Marcellus Pearson; great granddaughter, Frances Blue Sumlin; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.