Posted by Martiel Luther on August 5, 2009:

Colonel Charles "Chuck" J. Luther, USAF (Ret.), after a sudden but brief illness, passed away gently in San Antonio, Texas on July 15th with his family at his side. He had recently celebrated his 80th birthday. A true Texan, Col. Luther was born in Leander, raised in Austin, studied at the University of Texas, and was appointed by then Congressman Lyndon B. Johnson to the United States Military Academy. As a member of the West Point Class of 1952, he received a degree in Engineering and then elected to join the US Air Force, where he became a pilot and later earned a MS in Electrical Engineering. Throughout his life, he was known for his genuine love of God, Family and Country and his sense of humor that endured to the very end. During Col. Luther?s long and distinguished Air Force career, he held many assignments including multiple postings across the US and also in Goose Bay, Labrador, Wiesbaden, Germany, Ubon, Thailand and Misawa, Japan. He was awarded the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Soldier?s Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal and many other honors. Col. Luther proudly served in Vietnam piloting F-4 Phantom jets in 137 successful missions and was a member of the River Rats. His final two postings were as Wing Commander at the Misawa AFB, Japan and Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Systems Command, Andrews AFB, MD. Col. Luther is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Janet L. Luther, and his daughters, Martiel A. Luther and Janet A. Luther of Houston; he was preceded in death by his beloved son, Charles J. Luther, II. Internment with military honors will be held September 3, 10:00 am, at the West Point Cemetery, NY. Guests are invited to join the family afterwards to share memories over lunch. Memorial contributions may be made to the San Antonio Food Bank (5200 Old Hwy 90 W, San Antonio, TX 78227; contact tbakke@safoodbank.org) or the charity of your choice.

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