Obituary of Richard J. Luzmoor

RICHARD J. LUZMOOR Richard James “Dick” Luzmoor was born on September 10, 1932 in Lafayette, Colorado, to William John “W.J.” and Nodine (Dotrich) Luzmoor. He was the youngest of ten children and probably the orneriest. His early years were spent aggravating the nuns in parochial school in Denver, often skipping school to fish, and sneaking into the University of Colorado football games. Like many from his era, he was drafted into the Army National Guard and served in the Korean War. Following his discharge, he held many occupations including clothier, tinsmith, florist, railroad man, bookkeeper, salesman and feedlot manager (Monfort of Colorado). On New Year’s Eve in 1965, he was married to Elaine Minard in a union that lasted more than 52 years. His greatest joys were his family and his “football boys”. Dick spent almost 30 years assisting with the Clarinda Cardinal football program and was affectionately referred to as “Coach” by generations of players. While he enjoyed football, he loved the kids, and always beamed when his former players would say “Hey Coach” in a restaurant or on the street. In addition to the Clarinda football program, Dick kept stats for the Hawkeye football conference for 30-plus years and for the Colorado High School Athletic Association for many years prior to that. Dick was happiest when surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife, Elaine of Clarinda; sons Joel (Janet) Luzmoor of Mound City, MO and Patrick (Stacy) Luzmoor of Hartford, SD. Also surviving him are grandchildren Chris Luzmoor of Evans, CO, Denise (Joshua) Bircher of Greeley, CO, Joshua Luzmoor of Clarinda, Emily (Wyatt Williams) Luzmoor of Braddyville, IA, Kera Luzmoor of Shenandoah, IA, Hayston (Katie) Wilson of Richmond, MO, Chandler (Morgan Lewis) Wilson of Maryville, MO and Shayne Luzmoor of Hartford, SD; great grandchildren Nicholas Burt, Weston Amos, Connor Luzmoor, Cole Luzmoor, Amiyah Miller, Carson Luzmoor and Landry Miller; brother Edwin (Linda) Luzmoor of Santa Rosa, CA; sister Peggy Lazok of Denver, CO; very special friend Roger Williams and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sons Blaine Luzmoor and Ronnie Luzmoor; brother Bill “W.J.” Jr. and sisters Winifred Coon, Betty Luzmoor, Nadine Munson, Donna Dolman, Bonnie Luzmoor and Wilma Luzmoor. A visitation will be held with the family Thursday evening from 5-7 p.m. at the Walker-Merrick-Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel in Clarinda, and a celebration of Coach Dick’s life will be held Friday, at 2:00 p.m. at the chapel. Memorials can be directed to the Clarinda High School Football Program in Coach Dick’s name. While we grieve for our loss, we celebrate for the eternal life that our Lord and Savior has promised us and that Dick is now enjoying.