The Richmond News, July 11, 2025

Luke Lamar

Lynn Raymond “Luke” Lamar, 71, of Excelsior Springs passed away Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Liberty Hospital. Luke was born April 22, 1954, in Lexington, the son of Richard Andrew and Katherine Aileen (Canfield) Lamar Sr. Survivors include his son, Michael Lamar (Jossymar) of Liberty; and two daughters, Betsy (Shane) Hays of Richmond and Bethany (Jason) Miller of Excelsior Springs. Other survivors include eight grandchildren: Braydon (Gracie) Hays, Lacey (Daniel) Miller, Logan (Ally) Miller, Jordan Miller, Adalyn Hays, Emily Miller, Jacob Lamar and Anabella Lamar.

He also is survived by two great-grandchildren, Harrison Hays and Winston Hays; and three brothers, John R. Lamar, Jim (Nancy) Lamar and Don “Buster” (Donna) Lamar.

In addition to his parents, Lynn was preceded in death by a son, Jacob Samuel; three brothers, Richard A. Lamar Jr., Roy Lee Lamar and Mark W. Lamar Sr.; and a sister, Donna Marie Coleman.

Luke was a devoted family man who lived for his children and grandchildren.

He had a lifelong love of music. He spent many years playing the drums and singing in a band.

A man who found joy in the outdoors, Luke was an avid gardener who especially loved growing many things, including potatoes and tomatoes, often eating them straight from the vine with dirt still under his nails. He enjoyed canning, made memorable salads and was born fittingly on Earth Day.

Luke had a passion for softball, coaching several teams over the years and even making it to the state level.

He also loved hunting and mushroom hunting with his brothers, earning him the nickname “Uncle Mushroom.”

A proud and supportive presence in the lives of many young people, he found great fulfillment working with the students at Job Corps.

Above all, Luke was a God-fearing man with a generous heart who was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Luke Lamar Memorial Fund. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services will be held Thursday, July 17, at the Lawson Baptist Church, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and services to follow at 2. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Richmond Memory Gardens.

Please share your memories of Luke with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.