Jerry Lukens

Well-known area jeweler, Gerald “Jerry” Lukens, 67, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 21, 2005, at his home surrounded by his family and many of the friends who loved him. He had fought a valiant struggle against pancreatic cancer for the past two years.Owner and operator of the former Diamond Shop in downtown New Philadelphia, he was a familiar face to area shoppers for over 47 years. Jerry was born in Uhrichsville, Ohio, on August 10, 1937, to the late William and Mary Green Lukens, and was a l955 graduate of Uhrichsville High School.Following his honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps, he studied to become a gemologist and horologist (watchmaker), and became an associate of the late Fred MacMillen, at the Watch Shop (later Diamond Shop) on North Broadway. He became the president and operated the business with his wife until its closing in January of 2004.Jerry was married to the former Dorla Jackson in September of 1961, and with her raised two children, daughter, Amy (Ed) Nagel of Dayton, and son, Eric (Christal) Lukens of Brookville, PA. He was a former member and ongoing prayerful supporter of the First United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia where he had held a number of offices. He was currently an active member of The Chapel, Green Campus, located in Green Township in Uniontown, Ohio. In addition to his loving wife and children, Jerry will be missed by his grandson, Joshua, by his sister, Jane (Frank) Bair, and by many friends. His parents and one brother, Thomas R. Lukens, preceded him in death.A visitation will be held Monday evening, January 24, 2005, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Geib Funeral Home in New Philadelphia. A memorial service at The Chapel in Green Township will be Tuesday morning, January 25, 2005 at 11:00 a.m, with Pastor Michael Castelli officiating, assisted by Pastor Steve Bucy.In accordance with Jerry’s wishes, cremation will be completed at the Geib Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia.