Noland “Cliff” Louk

Services for Noland “Cliff” Louk, 90, Lawrence, will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Valley Brook Cemetery south of Overbrook.Mr. Louk died Saturday, July 29, 2006, at his home.He was born April 8, 1916, in Michigan Valley, the son of DeVilla and Alice Marie Throne Louk.Mr. Louk grew up in the Osage and Franklin area and graduated from Appanoose High School in 1934. He attended Kansas State Teachers College and worked at Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. until 1942, when he joined the U.S. Army.While in the Army, he was a waist gunner and radio operator. He flew 40 missions in the South Pacific and was awarded the Air Metal, Oak Leaf Cluster, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with a Bronze Star and the World War II Victory Medal.Mr. Louk then returned to work at the Firestone Co. until 1951, then worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. In 1957 he bought his own tire business in Abilene and operated it for 10 years. He worked for Montgomery Ward from 1967 until his retirement in 1969. Since then, he has enjoyed gardening, traveling, reading, sports and being with family.He was a member of American Legion Post No. 14 and Lodge AF&AM No. 9, both in Lawrence, and had been a member of Scottish Rite and York Rite Bodies and Elks Lodge in Abilene.He married Letha Dillon on April 3, 1937, in Nevada, Mo. She survives, of the home.Other survivors include a daughter, Sherri Meredith, Lawrence; and a son, D.D. Louk and wife Lynda, Lee’s Summit, Mo.Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.The family suggests memorials to Hospice Care in Douglas County, sent in care of the funeral home.Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.