Luther "Ernie" Lucero

Luther Ernest Lucero, 89, passed peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2015, at St. Patrick Hospital. All who knew him loved him, and he will be greatly missed.

Ernie was born Oct. 25, 1925, in Trinidad, Colorado, and as a young child moved with his family to Riverton, Wyoming.

His parents were Mr. Eufracio Lucero and Mrs. Domitilia Cordova Lucero. He was one of 12 children, seven brothers, James, Ray, John, Manuel, Ruben, Albert, Luke and four sisters, Delia, Mary, Eleanor and Lou. C. Herbert "Luke" Lucero of Williamsburg, Virginia, and Albert Joe Lucero of Riverton survive him.

His wife, Virginia M. Lucero, of 42 years and two stepsons, Bruce Lee and Tom Kromidas, preceded him in death. Keith Lee, a third stepson, survives him.

He leaves a granddaughter, Lisa Murphy; three great-grand-children, Brittany, Josh and Sabrina, as well as one great-great-granddaughter, Sophia.

Ernie attended primary schools in Riverton and graduated high school in 1943. He then served in the U.S. Navy in World War II. He served on the USS Casablanca.

Ernie's mother was the official "War Mother of Wyoming" having six sons and one daughter serving on active duty in World War II.

Having a degree in engineering, he worked for the Montana Highway Department, where he retired after 25 years. A major project he worked on was rebuilding Higgins Avenue Bridge, which resulted in Missoula's Caras Park.

He was a volunteer at St. Patrick Hospital for 25 years.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the local food bank.

At his request there will be no service. Cremation is with Garden City Funeral Home.
Read Luther Lucero's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.