Luther Estridge Jr., of Chesterton, died Friday, Oct. 14, 2005 at Porter Valparaiso Hospital Campus, Valparaiso. He was 59.

He was born July 10, 1946 in Franklin, Ohio, the son of Betty Jean (Stultz) Estridge of Franklin, Ohio and Luther Estridge, who preceded him in death.

On June 24, 1967 in Akron, Ohio, he married Elaine Cooper, who survives in Chesterton.

He is also survived by two sons, Douglas (Nicola) Estridge of Chesterton and Darren (Lydia) Estridge of Fort Wayne; a brother, Keith (M.J.) Estridge of Palisado, Colo. and three grandchildren, Laura and Hannah Estridge and Edith Estridge.

A resident since 1986, Luther was a music teacher for the Gary Community Schools and Band Instructor since 1988. He was a member of Chesterton First United Methodist Church. He graduated from Miami University of Ohio in 1968 with a B.A. in Music Education. He received his Masters Degree in Music Education at Vander Cook College of Music in Chicago. He loved golfing and photography.

Funeral services, Rev. Terry Rhine officiating, will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18 at Chesterton First United Methodist Church, 434 S. 2nd St., Chesterton. Interment will be at Chesterton Cemetery, Chesterton.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Monday at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton.

Posted 10/17/2005