Luther Bagwell was born July 23, 1929, in Memphis, Tenn., and passed away Feb. 4 in Modesto.

Luther lived near Troy, Miss. until he was about 8-years-old when the family moved to California and settled in the Planada area. He graduated from Le Grand High School in 1948.

Luther served in both the Navy and the Army. He met and married his wife of over 52 years in 1957.

He was a trucker by trade. He used to say if something didn’t have a gear shift or a steering wheel, he didn’t know what to do with it.

Luther is survived by his widow, Kathleen, of Mariposa; a step-son, Bret Shelby of Chowchilla; a daughter, Mary Jane Mouw, also of Chowchilla; and a son, Andrew, of Oakhurst.

A memorial service was held Feb. 12 at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church and was well attended by friends and family.