Luther Lee Sikes died at the age of 73 on Sunday, July 13, 2008, of a heart attack. Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 15 from 2-8 pm at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter, and funeral services will be Wednesday, July 16 at 10 am at the 7th Standard Pentecostal Church of God in Shafter. Pastor James Glasco will officiate and interment will follow at Shafter Memorial Park. Luther was born in Fruitta, Colorado on December 19, 1934. Luther married Opal Barnett, his beloved wife of fifty-three years, on July 31, 1955. In 2005 they renewed their vows and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Luther and Opal were active members of the Seventh Standard Pentecostal Church of God in Shafter for over forty years. Luther was a great provider for his family. In his early years he worked as a rancher and farmer, and he later became a maintenance worker and groundskeeper for Grimmway Farms, where he worked for many years. When Luther was younger he spent time at the rodeo as a cowboy. Luther spent many years raising award winning ponies with his family and participated in many parades in the Central Valley. Luther also loved the outdoors, such as camping and fishing with his wife, children, and grand children. He was one of a kind, and loved by everyone who knew him. Luther is survived by his beloved wife, Opal; three daughters, Diane Lakin, Carrie Shepherd, and Tammy and husband Dale Fout; five grandchildren, Rocky, Lee, Jennifer, Katherine and Annie; four great grandchildren, Dominique, Elisabeth, Christopher, and Joshua; five sisters, Audrey Robinson, Marietta Stringer, Corrine Woodside, Charlotte Backmaster, and Sandy Ragsdale. Luther was preceded in death by parents, Luther and Elizabeth Sikes; siblings, Bill Sikes, Jake Sikes, Everett Sikes, and Hazel Stringer; and great grandson, Christian Fout.