Dr. Percy Edgar Luecke Jr passed away on October 29, 2017 at the age of 91 surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 28, 1926 at Baylor Hospital in Dallas. In 1943, he graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School at the age of 16 and is a member of the Woodrow Wilson Hall of Fame. After attending Valparaiso for 2 years, he enlisted in the Navy before completing his undergraduate studies at Southern Methodist University. There, he met Marion Lu, his wife of 67 years. Upon graduation, the couple moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where Percy studied medicine at Washington University School of Medicine and completed his pediatric residency at St. Louis Children's Hospital. He then returned to Dallas, joining his father, Dr. Percy E. Luecke Sr, in pediatrics practice at Dallas Medical & Surgical Clinic. In this role, Percy proved to be a great diagnostician with keen insight into the minds of children and their anxious parents. Percy actively participated in all local, state and national medical associations, including terms as President of the Dallas County Medical Society and the Dallas Pediatric Society. From 1969-1986, he was Chief of Pediatrics at Baylor University Medical Center. In the early 60's during the polio epidemic, he chaired the Public Health Committee of the Dallas County Medical Society, and spearheaded the Sabin Oral Sunday Polio Campaign to immunize 1,000,000-plus people in the Dallas community. Additionally, he co-chaired the joint medical-dental committee, which directed a successful public education campaign for water fluoridation. He served on the Board of the Dallas Independent School District during the period where the schools were desegregated. Percy also served as a deacon at Zion Lutheran church where he was a lifelong member since Baptism. Percy and Marion enjoyed dancing and traveling, from Europe to Egypt, and avidly promoted family vacations that included children, children's spouses, grandchildren and other relatives. Memorable excursions include trips to Big Bend to see Halley's Comet, Mexico to witness the total eclipse of the sun, Nashville for the Grand Ole Opry, a Dude Ranch, and Memphis to visit Graceland. For the biannual Luecke family reunion, the entire clan usually converged on the Ozarks from various parts of the country. Percy came from a very musical family and loved everything from classical to jazz. He balanced an enthusiasm for exercise and fitness with a penchant for chocolate, particularly peanut M&M's. He loved cars and driving, especially his sports cars. Adults that rode with him described it as harrowing, while kids expressed FUN! He and his wife, Marion, hosted countless holidays, birthdays, and all special occasions. He had a wry sense of humor and great delivery of a good pun. He taught us so much about work ethic, honor, service, and the importance of family. He served as a rock, always a calm tower of strength for patients, families, and friends. Dr. Luecke is preceded in death by his parents Percy Edgar and Amelia Heiner Luecke, stepmother Martha Luecke, brother Henry, sisters Dorothy Williams, Margaret Waldschmidt, and Carolyn Halter. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marion Lu Reese Luecke, their children Percy E. Luecke III and wife Sarah, daughter Laura, daughter Eleanor Young and husband Steve Young, and son Alan and wife Heather. Grandchildren are Jessica Belt and husband Steven, Percy Edgar "Luke" Luecke IV and wife Christina, David Henry "Hank", Matthew Young, Emily Young, Isabel, and Liliana. Great Grandchildren are Sarah, Oliver, and Laura Belt. He is also survived by his sister Elizabeth Brondos and husband Andy, sister Marilyn Rynearson, Debra Acker, Brice Zaballa, Vincent Zaballa, and numerous nieces and nephews. We celebrate your life, Beloved Husband, Father, Brother, Healer, and Friend. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church at 6121 E. Lovers Lane in Dallas, TX, 75214. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the ministry of Zion Lutheran School, or the charity of your choice.

(Name featured on Valparaiso WW2 Memorial Plaque currently on display at the PoCo Muse in Valparaiso, Ind.)