Luther William Sykes, (Luke) 56, of Alton IL, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on January 11, 2024. His departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound to his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Darold Sykes and Frances Hartley, his brothers John Burns, Matt Burns, and Seth Sykes and his sister Cathy Shanks. Luke was a man of family, humor, hard work, and love. Born in Wood River Illinois, Luke came from a big family. He was a hard worker, a straight talker, and a good friend. He loved fiercely and would give you the shirt off his back. He could fix anything and never hesitated to lend a hand when there was a need. He was a mad genius when it came to figuring out how to make things work with the tools he had. He could also be counted on to bring random thoughts into almost any normal conversation. You never knew what was coming next, or what crazy story he may have to share. He was a father, and he was a fighter. He fought his hardest battles to give his kids a better life, and to get more from life than he was given. He wanted them to know they were safe, they were cherished, and they were loved. Luke was a believer. He believed in a God he saw in the spirit of his wife and in the eyes of his children. He believed in a God who loved him, and in a Savior who forgave him. He believed that God could repair the things Luke saw and experienced that were broken, and could protect and bless the people he loved most.
Luke is survived by his wife Debbie Fisher of Godfrey, his sons Brenden (April) Sykes of Bethalto, BayLee Sykes of Bethalto, Jacob Sykes of Godfrey, and Benjamin Sykes of Godfrey and Granddaughter Payton Sykes of Bethalto. His brother David (Deb) Burns of Albuquerque NM, Sister Mari Crayne of Riverton, and many nieces, nephews, extended family, in-laws and friends who loved him and will miss him dearly.
The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make contributions to a fund benefitting his boys in the difficult weeks and months to follow. Contact Claire Gorman (618) 600-1991 for details about how and where to donate. A service will be held at the Gent Funeral Home in Alton, IL on Sunday, January 21 at 2:00pm. A celebration of life will follow at the Second Chances Community Church from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.
"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles They will walk and not grow weary; they will run but not grow faint." Isaiah 40:31
