Obituary

We sadly announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Gaylan Luke, who passed to the next life on Friday, March 7th, at the age of 74. He leaves a legacy of love, laughter, and faithful service to his family, friends, and God.

Born in Richfield, Utah, Gaylan spent most of his early life living in rural Central Utah. He learned his strong work ethic by bailing hay and driving cattle. His passion for music began at a young age and he was accomplished at playing the clarinet, guitar, and piano. Gaylan then served a faithful mission to Central America. His belief in Jesus Christ was unwavering, and he continued his mission by sharing his faith with those he met through his quiet, consistent service.

While he never passed up the chance to serve others, he ensured everyone had a good time and felt accepted. His ability to find joy in the simple moments and to make others smile will be greatly missed.

On September 18, 1975, he was married and sealed to Debra Rhodes in the Logan temple. He was a faithful, devoted, and loving husband.

As a father, you could always rely on him. He was steadfast, loving, and always ready with a word of wisdom or a piece of advice (whether we asked for it or not). His guidance was invaluable, but so was his sense of humor. Whether he was telling a classic dad joke or telling us a mischievous story from his youth, he always reminded us not to take life too seriously.

He spent most of his adult life living in Taylorville raising his seven children with his beloved wife, Debbie.

Professionally, he worked primarily in banking and finance. His love and devotion increased as he became a father-in-law and grandpa. He left a legacy of planning and hosting a yearly faith-based camp for his grandchildren. They will never forget the challenging obstacle courses and costumes he created to bring the bible stories to life.

After Debbie passed away in 2017, three years later he was married and sealed to his second wife, Janice Shaw, in the Oquirrih Mountain Temple and moved to Sandy, Utah. They spent several good years traveling the world together. In his final years, Gaylan battled progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare cognitive disease, and received kind and compassionate care at Copper Creek Assisted Living Center. While living there he continued to spread joy and bring smiles to all who interacted with him.

Gaylan Luke is survived by his second wife, Janice Shaw, and his seven loving children and their spouses: David (Flo), Johanna (Brian), Jeremiah (Trena), Melinda (Talen), Emily (Glen), Brandon (Pam), and Laura (Adam). He is also survived by his cherished 21 grandchildren, who will forever remember his laugh, his jokes, and the way he made them feel loved and important.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Debra Rhodes; his parents, William Darrell and Mae Beth; his brother, Desmond; and his sister, Taunae. Each of them was a cherished source of love and support throughout his life.

A viewing open house will be held Monday, March 17th, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at McDougal Funeral Home, at 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah 84123.

The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, March 18th, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 1223 East 7800 South, Midvale, Utah., with a viewing from 9:30 - 10:30 AM, followed by the funeral service from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Interment will take place at Taylorsville Memorial Cemetery.

While we will miss Gaylan, we find peace knowing that he is now in the loving arms of his Heavenly Father. He lived a life full of joy, and we take comfort in knowing that the reunion we'll have with him will be one full of happiness, love, pranks, and dad jokes! Until we meet again!