LUCKOW, Thomas (Tom) Francis

Thomas Francis Luckow 87, passed away on July 1, 2010 in Tucson, AZ. Tom was born to Charles and Erna Luckow on April 23, 1923 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His family moved to Glendale, Ca. where he finished Cathedral Boys High School and joined the Air Corp. While serving in World War II as a ball turret gunner on a B-17, Tom met Betty Jane Garrett in Glendale when he was home on a short leave, and after many letters and telegrams, he returned to Glendale months later and they were engaged. They were married on May 17, 1947. Thomas and Betty Jane raised seven children. He became a registered land surveyor in 1957 in L.A. They moved to Tucson, AZ in 1959, where Tom was in charge of the construction of a four meter telescope on Kitt Peak. He is a charter member of the Arizona Professional Land Surveyors and a United States Mineral Surveyor. He and Betty started their own survey business in 1970 and built a strong, reputable business in Tucson for over 30 years. Over the years, Tom enjoyed working on the family genealogy, racing pigeons, golf and tinkering on anything around the house. He played the piano by ear and was great with a harmonica. As a self learner, he developed his computer skills and was always interested in the newest technologies. Tom liked to joke and tease, but did so with a twinkle in his eye. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, William Luckow (Meredith); his brother-in-law, Richard Garrett (Carol); his infant son, Thomas, Jr. and his son, David Alan. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty Jane; his sister, Celeste (Bob) Loebs of Roseville, CA; his brother-in-law, Patrick (Maria) Garrett of Vail, AZ; his daughter, Christine (Greg) Scott of Tucson; son, John (Jan) of Flagstaff, AZ; daughter-in-law, Susan of Philadelphia, PA; son, Daniel (Diana) of Tucson; son, James (Catherine) of Tucson; daughter, Jane (Joe) O'Malley of Missouri; and daughter, Ann (Randy) Lehn, of Flagstaff. Tom is survived by 18 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; numerous nephews, nieces, and friends. He will be dearly remembered as a hard worker, an honest man, and a stickler for detail. The family would like to thank all the caregivers at Indian Ridge Residence for their superior attention and affection for Tom these past few months. You have made all the difference in our ability to let Tom pass from this life to the next, knowing he was comfortable and tended to with gentleness and compassion. Special thanks goes to Mary, Ida and Maria for your concern, time and service to Tom and Betty. A Memorial service, with Military Honors, will be on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at EAST LAWN PALM CHAPEL at 10:00 a.m.. Published in the Tucson Newspapers on July 4, 2010