Obituary for Eric Lynn Luna
Eric Lynn Luna, 55, of Sparta, TN passed away Nov. 3, 2019 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Eric was born October 28, 1964 in Sparta, TN, to Ollie Gene and Myrna Faye.
Staff Sergeant Eric Luna was a retired veteran of the Tenn. Army National Guard with 21 years and 7 months of service to his country. He began his military career at the McMinnville Armory as a medic then transferred to the Sparta Armory as a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO).6 months after having major brain surgery he served overseas for several months in Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 278th Armored Calvary Division to stand along side his band of brothers to help fight for the freedoms that we all have today.
Prior to his military service, Eric worked as a CNA at NHC of Sparta and NHC of Cookeville and in home health care. At times he worked three jobs at once to provide a better life for his family. He was dedicated to God and was a member of Doyle Church of Christ. He enjoyed preaching the gospel and loved studying the Bible. He never met a stranger and you could always count on him for anything. He was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed being outdoors in the mountains. He loved his family with all his heart, and he was a great example for his children. He loved his grandchildren and his smile would light up a room when they were all together. He had a great sense of humor and would always pick on you. To know him was to love him. He was a strong believer in showing that he cared. He was good to everyone he met. Eric believed that if you love someone you should show and tell them every chance you’re given, and you could always count on him for a warm hug. He was a true example of a “God, Country and Family” man. He will be truly missed.
He is preceded in death by his Parents- Ollie Gene Luna and Myrna Faye Matthews, Special Grandparent- Gladys Wilson, Grandparents- Rube and Ruby Luna of Sparta, Sister- Donna Brewington of Sparta, Myrna Jean Luna of Sparta, TN, Niece- Carrie Brewington of Sparta, TN.
Survivors include his Wife of 26 years- Melissa Sue Luna of Sparta, TN.
Children- Mica (Jay) Simmons, Derick Luna of Sparta, TN and Alex (Erika) Watts of Cookeville, TN.
Sister- Angie Rodocker of Maple Valley, Washington.
Half-Brothers- Carlton Luna of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, Clayton Luna of Eatonville, Washington, Kevin Luna and Carl Luna of Oregon.
Grandchildren- Madilynn Simmons, Kaylee Luna, Zelda Watts, and Lillyanna Nash.
Special Mother and Father-in-Law- Riley Eugene (Rosie) Taylor.
Special Aunts and Uncles- Bobby (Pat) Luna and John David (Dorothy) Wilson of Sparta, TN
Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous dear friends.
Pallbearers: Tracey Barker, Jackie McBride, Ricky Simmons, Mark Dillon, Matt Elmore, Gary Selby, Jimmy Breedlove and Dewey Young.
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at 2 pm at Oak Lawn Funeral Home with Bro. Bob Alley officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Lawn Memorial Cemetery with full Military Honors. The family will receive friend on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 from 3pm to 9pm at Oak Lawn Funeral Home and on Wednesday November 6, 2019 from 8 am to 2 pm at Oak Lawn Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made to the family at oaklawnmemorial.com
Staff Sergeant Eric Luna was a retired veteran of the Tenn. Army National Guard with 21 years and 7 months of service to his country. He began his military career at the McMinnville Armory as a medic then transferred to the Sparta Armory as a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO).6 months after having major brain surgery he served overseas for several months in Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 278th Armored Calvary Division to stand along side his band of brothers to help fight for the freedoms that we all have today.
Prior to his military service, Eric worked as a CNA at NHC of Sparta and NHC of Cookeville and in home health care. At times he worked three jobs at once to provide a better life for his family. He was dedicated to God and was a member of Doyle Church of Christ. He enjoyed preaching the gospel and loved studying the Bible. He never met a stranger and you could always count on him for anything. He was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed being outdoors in the mountains. He loved his family with all his heart, and he was a great example for his children. He loved his grandchildren and his smile would light up a room when they were all together. He had a great sense of humor and would always pick on you. To know him was to love him. He was a strong believer in showing that he cared. He was good to everyone he met. Eric believed that if you love someone you should show and tell them every chance you’re given, and you could always count on him for a warm hug. He was a true example of a “God, Country and Family” man. He will be truly missed.
He is preceded in death by his Parents- Ollie Gene Luna and Myrna Faye Matthews, Special Grandparent- Gladys Wilson, Grandparents- Rube and Ruby Luna of Sparta, Sister- Donna Brewington of Sparta, Myrna Jean Luna of Sparta, TN, Niece- Carrie Brewington of Sparta, TN.
Survivors include his Wife of 26 years- Melissa Sue Luna of Sparta, TN.
Children- Mica (Jay) Simmons, Derick Luna of Sparta, TN and Alex (Erika) Watts of Cookeville, TN.
Sister- Angie Rodocker of Maple Valley, Washington.
Half-Brothers- Carlton Luna of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, Clayton Luna of Eatonville, Washington, Kevin Luna and Carl Luna of Oregon.
Grandchildren- Madilynn Simmons, Kaylee Luna, Zelda Watts, and Lillyanna Nash.
Special Mother and Father-in-Law- Riley Eugene (Rosie) Taylor.
Special Aunts and Uncles- Bobby (Pat) Luna and John David (Dorothy) Wilson of Sparta, TN
Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous dear friends.
Pallbearers: Tracey Barker, Jackie McBride, Ricky Simmons, Mark Dillon, Matt Elmore, Gary Selby, Jimmy Breedlove and Dewey Young.
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at 2 pm at Oak Lawn Funeral Home with Bro. Bob Alley officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Lawn Memorial Cemetery with full Military Honors. The family will receive friend on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 from 3pm to 9pm at Oak Lawn Funeral Home and on Wednesday November 6, 2019 from 8 am to 2 pm at Oak Lawn Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made to the family at oaklawnmemorial.com