Dr. Joe Luther

Dr. Joe Luther, 91, of Hot Springs, passed away April 4, 2018. He was born October 29, 1926 in Mountain View, to Thurlow and Seddie Luther. Joe is predeceased by his parents; wife, Ava Nell Luther; brothers, Letus Luther and Bob Luther. Joe grew up in Mountain View and attended the University of Arkansas and Baylor Dental School. He practiced dentistry in Waldron, Helena, Mt. Ida and Charleston, Ark. In 1947 Joe married Ava Nell Logan and they had 63 happy years of marriage. Throughout, they shared a love of family and together enjoyed playing bridge, golfing and attending the horse races at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs. Joe and his family spent over 30 years in Charleston, Ark. He and Ava Nell retired to Hot Springs in 1998. Over the years, they retained many friends from their towns of residence and enjoyed a lively social life. Joe is survived by his three children, Anna Paxton (Mark), of Baton Rouge, La.; Greg Luther (DeeDee), of Fayetteville; and Thad Luther (Lynn), of Little Rock; grandchildren, Bob and Todd Smoot, Justin, Josh and Mitchell Luther and Christene Paxton; and seven great-grandchildren. The family would like to give thanks and recognition to loyal caregivers Tammy Dodd and Marjorie Maughan, with gratitude for their years of service. Visitation will be 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home. A celebration of Joe's life will be 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Pleasant Grove. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice. Guest register is www.caruth-hale.com.