Richard D. Lukert, the son of Francis and Leota Miller Lukert, was born July 30, 1930, in Sabetha, Kan.

He graduated from Sabetha Senior High School in 1948. Richard served his country in the United States Navy from 1948 to 1950.

On May 4, 1958, Richard was united in marriage with Doris Jean Jontz in Omaha, Neb. Richard retired as a customer service agent with Braniff Airlines working from 1954 until 1985 in St. Joseph, Mo., Omaha, Neb., Denver, Colo., and Dallas, Texas. He is a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Richard enjoyed fishing and sports.