In his novel The Twelve, author Justin Cronin wrote, “As long as we remember a person, they’re not really gone. Their thoughts, their feelings, their memories, they become a part of us.”

Kean Elden Luke of Orangeville, Utah, age 89, slipped away quietly in his sleep at home on Saturday, August 8, 2020. Kean would like to let you know that his work here is done. He received a call, a sort of an offer you can’t refuse, for an appointment from which he will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with family and friends he has not seen in a long time.

He is survived by his wife, his seven children, Blaine (Mary Ann) of Springville, Utah,  Dale (Laurie) of Idaho Falls, Idaho,  Forrest (Shellee) of Craig, Colorado, Kaye (Lydell) of Cleveland, Utah, Ted (Kelly) of Orangeville, Utah, Garth (Gayla) of Orangeville, Utah and Lanean (Bob) of Littleton, Colorado, 35 grandchildren, 108 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren and an extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Earl, two brothers-in-law, Edward Peterson and Delile Hinkins and his parents.

Kean was born March 11,1931 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Elden Glen Luke and Delphia Brittana Allridge Luke. He graduated from South Emery High School in 1949. On June 1, 1950, he married his high school sweetheart Charlane Peterson in the Logan Temple.

Kean’s life was a collection of stories.

He lived 1000 years in the 89 calendar years we had with him because he attacked life; he grabbed it by the horns.

His first job was working for his father at the family mercantile in Orangeville. Because of his great love for large trucks his next job was driving them.

Then, because of his greater love of nature, he left driving for the church and became a Utah State Park Ranger.

He taught and shared with his family that love of nature, and to be thankful for all things.

He had a life-long love affair with deviled eggs, crab, bologna, sausages, cherry pie, black licorice and Butterfinger donuts.

Kean and his family traveled extensively. He and Charlane were able to make it to all of the 50 states. He excelled at reading and collected any informational book he could get his hands on.

He loved to collect just about everything; hats, belt buckles, knives, fishing poles and tackle, tools, rocks, and…….

He had an acute awareness of the importance of a life lived with the ones you love and was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important.

Of all the people he touched, his most proud achievement in life was his family, who supported him lovingly and physically during their last days together.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the people at Symbii Home Health and Hospice for their loving care and support during his final days. Also, the family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude towards Fausett Mortuary of Emery County for being so accommodating and understanding during this difficult time.

A celebration of life service will be held for family and close friends at 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 15, 2020 at the Orangeville LDS Church Building. Please join us for audio live-streaming at Fausett Mortuary Facebook page.

Interment will follow afterward at the Orangeville Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6:00 until 7:00 PM, Friday, August 14, 2020 at the Fausett Mortuary funeral home in Castle Dale.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and share memories of Kean at www.fausettmortuary.com.