John David Luther, 18, of Hungerford, went to be with the Lord, August 21, 2016. Commonly called JD, he was born on January 22, 1998, to John and Beverly Luther of Hungerford, TX, and owners of Brothers Custom Works.Local homicide detectives with the Wharton County Sheriffs Department, and an independent homicide detective, both investigating the tragic scene, determined and shared with John and Bev that the evidence reveals the shooting was an accident. It certainly was not in the heart of JD to cause so much pain in his friends and family at his passing.
JD graduated from Wharton High School, Class of 2016. He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, playing basketball, running track, trips to the lake, water sports, fellowship and gaming with his friends and girls, though he was down to one very special girl at the time of his passing.
Perhaps the main reason for the newly formed (September 2016) John David Luther Memorial Scholarship Fund are found in what could be called an exemplary life within a teenager, fast becoming a young man. As John and Bev will note, JD was not without typical problems and struggles of a teenage boy, but rejoice in that JD gave his life to the Lord, with confirming actions that followed.
JD made decisions during his formative years, such that he was earnestly committed to successful Christian living. With a desire to serve the Lord in a greater way, he placed himself in training for Christian ministry, taking Bible classes, and enhancing his personal relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The Lord found JD, and JD found the Lord, yielding to a greater and active relationship with Him, and wanting to share the goodness of a genuine walk with God with friends, family and anyone he met.
Allowed and encouraged to make his own decisions regarding college and career, John David choose to study architectural design and construction, in order to help in the family business of design–build residential and light commercial contracting. He would (most likely) own the business one day, while serving the Lord, or perhaps partner with his younger sister Mary, both showing above average capacities in creative arts.
John David was fortunate to have a kind, quiet, loving and humble character that positively affected all those around him. He was sensitive to the needs of others, and generous with his time, gifts and money.
JD was excited in his studies, and preparing for his future with his fiancee' Taylor Bell of Houston, TX, who was the love of his life. An excerpt from "A Letter from Dad", read at the celebration service held in honor of JD going to be the Lord spoke of his position in the company, and their special relationship in saying, "Maybe you were not as excited about our progress, as you were about your girlfriend Taylor, but I saw, and lots people said you were excited and told them about all of the life progress at the University of Dad. It was certainly very exciting to me, and I had already planned for this week."
It is with the character, commitments and genuine love for others that their son had, together with knowing his true heart and goals to love and help others, that John and Bev have set forth The John David Luther Memorial Scholarship Fund. JD's heart and the love he had for others lives on.
Please view the video testimony John David gave at after an Encounter God Presence Youth Camp, and pictures in memory of his special character. Also, for more information related to the scholarship fund, please click this blog link: John David Luther Memorial Scholarship Fund.