Charles "Chuck" William Luckenbill, Sr.

Charles "Chuck" William Luckenbill, Sr.

Golden, CO

We remember Charles William Luckenbill, Sr. “Chuck” who passed at the age of 90 in the early hours of Friday, February 21, 2025. Chuck resided in Golden, Colorado. He will be remembered for his quick wit, love of laughter and deep wisdom, as well as his brilliant, rich baritone. His operatic voice was often heard ringing through the family home in Indianapolis, Indiana where he enjoyed supporting the musical pursuits of his children. After living in Indianapolis since 1958 Chuck and his wife Meredith “Merry” relocated to Golden in 2005 to be near their first grandchild. He enjoyed simple pleasures, such as classical music, gardening, and watching birds and other small animals. Above all, he cherished time with his family for whom he provided a quiet and steady foundation.

Chuck attended Harvard University where, during his senior year, he served as president of the Harvard Glee Club. After college he worked at an investment and underwriting firm in Indianapolis. He eventually transitioned to academia applying his business experience to a position as adjunct professor at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business in Indianapolis. His colleagues there referred to him informally as the “Capstone Commander in Chief.” He retired in 2002.

Chuck was born in Rock Island, Illinois to Dorothy and Lester Luckenbill. He grew up on a farm in Washington, Iowa the eldest of three children, and proudly described himself as an Iowa farm boy. As a young man, he was a high school football player and an accomplished singer, often lending his vocal talent to various occasions around the Washington area. He is survived by his wife Meredith MacAdam Luckenbill, his children Charles “Buzz” Luckenbill, Jr., Margaret “Meg” (Rod) Arnold, and Christopher “Tif” (Sophie) Luckenbill. He is also survived by two grandchildren Meredith Shea Arnold and Ondine Matisse Gourdon Luckenbill and by his sister Mary Ellen Hunsaker. He was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Dorothy Luckenbill and his sister Cherry Brinning.

Along with the profound sadness of this time his family feels enormously grateful for everything he has meant to them and to his friends and colleagues throughout his rich life.

His family looks forward to celebrating his life and accomplishments during a service, which is open to any who are able to attend. This service will be held at Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden, Colorado on May 17, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. The service will be live streamed from the church and will be available on line for the next year.