J. T. Luker

John Thomas Luker was born near Proctor, Texas, June 12, 1884 to G.W. and Frances Graham Luker who were among the earliest settlers of Comanche County. After completion of public school he graduated from the Massey Business College in Houston in 1903.

He then attended seminars conducted by the Stamps-Baxter School of Music and gained a very thorough understanding of four-part diatonic harmony, and occasionally conducted similar seminars himself at the old Indian Creek School in Comanche County. Instead of composing on or at a piano, he had manuscript paper in front of him and wrote the notes down from his head. Many of his religious and gospel songs have been published.

During World War II he received a special citation from Texas Governor Coke Stevenson for his work concerning food production in time of war. His agricultural interests were principally in dairy and horticulture. He was an expert in grafting fruit trees. In addition to working as a farmer, he was also active in community and civic affairs.

In later years, Stamps-Baxter would send him submitted manuscripts for his correction before publishing them. For this task he would often retire to the seclusion of an old Pontiac which he was feeling progressively less inclined to drive.

As a young boy, Mr. Luker dedicated his life to the Christian faith and was a Christian throughout his life. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Comanche and a long-time member of the Wesley Bible Class.

A quartet consisting of a niece and three nephews sang “That Wonderful Time”, one of J.T. Luker's compositions, at his funeral in July 1972.

Susan Luker