Joseph Luther

Joseph Neal Luther died peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 25, 2017. Joe was a hometown boy who graduated from Tivy in 1961. He was an Antler football player and active in the Tivy theater productions, as well as, taking part in productions at the Point Theater.\r\n\r\nDuring the Viet Nam war Joe joined the Air Force where, as a flight combat medic, he served three tours in Nam, completing 192 combat missions. In Spokane he completed his Bachelor degree in Geography at Eastern Washington University by taking courses at night. In addition, he aided the community by serving on the Zoning Board.\r\n\r\nJoe achieved his Masters and PhD in Environmental Design at Texas A & M University. Returning to Spokane, he became the Department Chair in Urban and Regional Planning at Eastern Washington University. His expertise was highly thought of, as Hayworth and Anderson Consulting used Joe's knowledge and capabilities to write the Environmental Impact Statements for several World Fairs being held in the United States.\r\n\r\nThe University of Nebraska - Lincoln sought Joe's knowledge. Once in Lincoln Joe became the Associate Dean of the College of Architecture for the university. In addition, and in conjunction with UN-Lincoln, Joe taught at the prestigious Dublin Institute of Technology. And, in Costa Rica, Joe taught at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve in Environmental Studies. Plus, he again helped the community by serving on the Zoning Board. Upon Joe's retirement from UN - Lincoln, the university honored him by making Joe a Professor Emeritus.\r\n\r\nAfter retirement Joe returned to Kerrville where he continued making an impact in many ways. He became a contributing writer for the Kerrville Daily Times, numerous Texas historical journals, and historical archeology publications. In addition, Joe founded the business Old School Research, which completed many archeological studies in the area.\r\n\r\nJoe's research abilities served him well as he gathered materials for his three published books concerning several historical places and events in the Hill Country: Camp Verde, Texas Frontier Defense; Fort Martin Scott, Guarding of the Treaty, and The Odyssey of Texas Ranger James Callahan.\r\n\r\nJoe was predeceased by his parents, Norman Luther, Kerrville's Post Master and Marjorie Neal Luther who served as the director of the Dietert Center for many years, and by his sister, Beverly Luther Reagan. He is survived by his wife, Vicki Braglio Luther and his son, Christopher Luther.\r\n\r\nServices will be held at a later date.\r\n\r\nMemorials may be made to Families & Literacy, 1127 E. Main Street, Suite 104, Kerrville, TX 78028 or online at www.familiesandliteracy.org.