Obituaries
Melinda Jo Langford Luker
On October 20, 2024, Melinda Jo Langford Luker won her fight with Alzheimer’s Disease. She shed her earth-torn body and is now present with her Creator, Lord and Savior.
Born to Murray and Manell Langford on January 10, 1954, Melinda has always been a very talented and loving woman. A graduate of Charles Henderson High School and Auburn University, Melinda thoroughly enjoyed her work with the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service. She loved working with and in the community and especially with children and young adults. Her goal was always to help others improve themselves and their community, and her life was a true embodiment of the 4-H pledge that she helped lead all across Coosa County and this state.
Upon retirement from the Extension Service, Melinda devoted her attention to her ministry of quilting and sharing God’s Word with others. Melinda touched many lives before and during her battle with Alzheimer’s Disease and has left a legacy that will continue to do so.
Melinda was predeceased by her parents and her loving and devoted husband, Charles Lee Luker. She is survived by her three children, Chase Luker (Callie), Amanda Luker (Patrick) and Abby L. (Harry) Fitzpatrick; her two grandchildren, Mary Sellers Luker and Charlie Luker; and two brothers, Mark Langford (Jeanie) and David Langford.
The family received friends at Kellyton First Global Methodist Church on Thursday, October 24, 2024, with a Celebration of Life Service following.
The family asked that quilts made and gifted by Melinda be brought and displayed during the service so the beauty she brought to this Earth could fill the room. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to the Kellyton First Global Methodist Church or Alzheimer’s research.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Melinda L. Luker.
Steve Welsh
Funeral service for Mr. Steve Welsh, 77, of Wadley, was Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Mountain Springs Baptist Church. Rev. Jimmy Sprayberry and Rev. Tim Whaley officiated. Burial followed in the Mountain Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Welsh passed away on Monday, October 21, 2024, at his residence. He was born on December 10, 1946, in Roanoke to Joe Carl Welsh and Sara Bob Liles Welsh. He was a faithful member of Mountain Springs Baptist Church. Steve retired as the Assistant Superintendent of the Poultry Science Research Farm at Auburn University. He loved to go fishing and enjoyed taking care of his farm and cows. Steve enjoyed traveling with his family all over the country. He believed in hard work; just ask his grandsons. Above all, Steve was a devout Christian and loved to read his Bible and witness to anyone he came into contact with.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jean Welsh of Wadley; daughter, Caryl (Will) Smith of Daviston; grandchildren, Tim (Jasmine) Estes of Phenix City, Justin (Chelsea) Estes of Daviston, and David (Shannon) Estes of Carrollton, Georgia; great-grandchildren, Lula Estes, Piper Menck, Raylee Estes, Parker Estes, Josie Estes, Evan Estes, and Silas Estes; great-great-grandchild, Oaklynn Phillips; sister, Joan Welsh (Steve) Miller of Sylacauga; brother, Phillip Joel (Donna) Welsh of Wadley; sisters-in-law, Joan Bishop of Wadley, Shirley Rainwater of Kellyton, and Mitzi (Johnny) Moran of Dadeville; special caregiver, Ashley Jordan, and her daughter, Emmie; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will accept flowers or donations may be made to Mountain Springs Baptist Church; 15191 County Road 62; Wadley, AL 36276 or Samaritan’s Purse; P.O. Box 3000; Boone, N.C. 28607 or online at www.samaritanspurse.org.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Steve Welsh.
