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MONROE, La. — Louisiana Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, who lately died from Covid-19 problems, was remembered Saturday as a person who cherished folks and felt referred to as to serve others.
“This is a gentleman who cared about nothing but others,” mentioned former Republican U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, who employed Letlow as chief of workers throughout his tenure in Washington and later backed Letlow’s bid for Congress. “He was a true servant’s servant. We never want to forget what he’s done for our state, what he’s done for me and my family.”
Letlow, an incoming Republican member of the U.S. House, died Tuesday at 41. Gov. John Bel Edwards ordered flags flown at half-staff on Saturday for Letlow, who’s survived by his spouse, Julia Letlow, and their youngsters, Jeremiah, 3, and Jacqueline, 1.
More than 200 folks gathered at North Monroe Baptist Church for the memorial. Abraham acknowledged the presence of different members of the state’s congressional delegation in attendance, together with U.S. Reps. Clay Higgins and Garret Graves.
Abraham famous that Letlow was identified for the relationships he cast.
“Luke loved Louisiana. He loved traveling down country roads with potholes, going to Lea’s in Lecompte for pie and milk and talking to the locals,” he mentioned.
Abraham urged family and friends to plant a tree in Letlow’s reminiscence.
“Plant a tree that you have to water and nurture and watch grow. And every time you pass that tree, you’ll remember Luke and smile and embrace that warm feeling that comes to your heart as you go about your day. He wants us to be happy, courageous and strong. The way we honor and remember Luke Letlow is to build that type of life.”
Letlow, from the small city of Start in Richland Parish, was elected in a December runoff election for the sprawling fifth District U.S. House seat representing central and northeastern areas of the state, together with the cities of Monroe and Alexandria. He was to fill the seat being vacated by Abraham.
Jonathan S. Wagner, pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church, mentioned the variety of folks current and watching the service through livestream was a “testament to Luke’s impact during his 41 years on this earth.”
“The tributes speak to his genuineness, his work ethic, his playful spirit, his love for Louisiana and his love for people. He was a great man and it was a great privilege to have known him,” Wagner mentioned.
Wagner mentioned Letlow cared deeply about public service.
“People knew he was not just trying to get his name out there,” throughout his marketing campaign travels, Wagner mentioned. “He was genuinely interested in meeting people and hearing their stories. He wanted to know what shaped them and made them who they were. Those stories shaped him and changed the way he lived. He went into politics to be a public servant in the purest sense. He wanted to help others because he loved them deeply and sincerely and was driven by his faith.”
Jeffrey Thomas, a pal of Letlow’s and lead pastor at Start Baptist Church, described Letlow as “God’s special possession.”
“The love of God flowed through Luke,” Thomas mentioned. “Julia, he loved you and he loved those babies. … Whatever memories you have of him, words spoke by him or whatever service he gave you, he did it out of love. God gave us a special gift in Luke. He made the most of every opportunity and wanted to make sure that you and I had the absolute best.”
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