Obituary

Luther George Gwin, better known as “L.G.”, age 85 with loved one’s present, passed away February 25th, 2021 at the home of his daughter Mary Jane and her husband Ron Mackert, in Riverside California.

L.G. was born on a cold December 19, 1935 to Gordon Luther Gwin and Nellie Gertrude Gwin (Newton) in Newalla Oklahoma.

L.G attended Chemawa Jr. High School and graduated from Riverside Polytechnic High School in Riverside California in 1953.

Headed off to Chicago with his lifelong friend and graduated with a degree from DeVry Electronics Engineering Technology in Radio & Television.

Soon after returning home, LG and his buddy enlisted in Air Force together 1957 Receiving an honorable discharge in 1961 achieving the rank TSGT.

LG went on to serve in the Air National Guard, and Army National Guard Retiring 1995 receiving an honorable discharge after achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. LG’s Primary Title: Tactical Acft Maint Techn. He fondly recalled these days, sharing his love of Helicopters and all aircraft.

LG had three Great Loves in his life,

1^st Great Love was at age 19. LG Married Norma Jane Raneri on 6/19/55 in Riverside, CA. At age 20, Living in Texas at the time, they started their family with the birth of their 1st son and 3 more children soon followed.

2^nd Great Love was Judy (Judith Ann Grosnickle) and her 3 Boys. LG Married Judy in 1968 and adopted the Boys as his sons.

3^rd Great Love was Lorraine Mathews (Lori). They were married in 1984 in AZ were the Lived together till her death in 2014. Lori has 2 grown daughters.

LG owned and operated “Gwin’s Boat Repair” in Boulder City, Nevada for a couple of years in the Late 1960’s. He specialized in painting and fiberglass work to totally restoring several vintage wooden boats for customers. He worked out of an old airplane hangar that reportedly housed Blimps that protected the Hoover dam during WW2. He moved the repair shop to Henderson Nevada for a few years. Even into his 80’s you would find LG not only fixing up boats in his drive way, but cruising the lakes and water ways where ever he lived. Of course, family and friends often accompanied him.

LG and family moved to Dolan Spring AZ late 1971. Parked his boat and trailer on a piece of land where they lived for a year and started working for Isaac School District. Then, Sacaton School District where he Retired, with the Tile “Director of Plant Services”.

He loved working with his hands, fixing things. Putting things together repairing things were second nature to him. It was common for family and friends to come to LG for help or suggestion, to get advice on how to do things.  LG even built a couple of houses and did most of the work himself with the help of family and friends.

LG was a longtime member of the American Legion. He also enjoyed gatherings or meals catching up with his buddies and the guys from the reserves.

LG so enjoyed Life. Being around family, and friends was so important to him. And boy could LG talk. I am sure all of us have many memories and stories we could share. This comment from one of LG’s friends is typical of how people felt about him: “It’s hard to imagine the number of people and lives that were changed by simply meeting and talking to LG. What a wonderful man. I am truly and deeply honored to call him my friend.”

For the time being, we will deeply miss the man we call our Dad, our Grandpa our friend. We all have a longing to see you again. Until then we have our cherished memories. We will forever Love you, Rest in Peace LG!

L.G. was preceded in death by his loving wife Lorraine and son Robert Walter Gwin.

He is survived by his brother Kenneth Gwin and his 8 children: David Joseph “Joe” Gwin, Mary Jane Mackert, Pamela Hammer, Robert James Gwin, David Warren Gwin, James Herman Gwin (Jim), Deborah Charlesworth and Karen Gonzalez and 17 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren and 4 great – great Grandkids. As well as nieces and nephews.

Due to Covid we are having Grave Site services only for the immediate Family at AZ National Cemetery.

Date: March 25, 2021  Time: AZ 10:30

We will be having this ceremony live streamed thru Zoom and for those who want to listen in on the phone as space allows. Please email mjs.healthshack@att.net  or  Jhgwin123@gmail.com  with your name, phone number and email address you would like the link to to be sent to. Please include how you knew LG or your relationship to LG Gwin. This will allow us to send you an email link to zoom or phone number to listen in.

In the future we will have a celebration of life post Covid. If things work out, we are hoping this Fall. We will be sure to let you know.