Reverend Luke Flesher was born on October 19, 1943, in Wagoner, Oklahoma, and went to heaven on December 13, 2025, at the age of 82.

Luke was raised in Coweta, Oklahoma, where he graduated from Coweta High School. He earned his undergraduate degree from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and later received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of five, Luke lived a full and active childhood thanks to the love and care of his mother. As a young man, Luke surrendered his life to Christ. At 16 years old, he became one of the four preachers the church sent out to conduct revivals in Oklahoma and neighboring states. 

While still in seminary, Luke served as a part-time youth pastor at Kieswood Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, and worked with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, preaching revivals across the state. After graduation, he joined Kieswood Baptist Church full time, where he met and married Vicki, his wife of 28 years.

In 1973, Luke was called to Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock, Arkansas, where he served first as Youth Pastor for eleven years and then as Pastor of Missions and Pastoral Care for a total of 35 years. This role was tailor-made for Luke, as his deep love for God and genuine care for people shaped a ministry that impacted countless lives.

After Vicki’s passing in 1998, Luke was visiting a church member who was dying of cancer. Two days before her death, she made Luke promise to introduce himself to her husband’s younger sister, Linda. Luke and Linda met at her funeral, where he officiated the service and Linda played the organ. They married in June of 2000 and shared 25 wonderful years together.

Luke was a visionary with a servant’s heart. He founded the Barnabas Fund at Park Hill Baptist Church to assist those in need, a ministry that continues today. He also helped establish numerous support groups including grief, cancer, and divorce recovery, serving both church members and the wider community. At one point, fourteen support groups met regularly at Park Hill under his guidance.

Luke believed deeply in unity. He prompted a partnership between Park Hill and a local Black church in the 1990s to promote understanding and community between one another. He also supported church plants across the country and encouraged mission involvement among church members. Recognized for his work with the youth, the former Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee appointed Luke to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice, which made recommendations to the governor and legislature on juvenile issues. He served on this board for over 20 years. 

Luke loved golf, sports, and especially cheering on the Razorbacks. Above all, he was known for his kindness. He never judged, criticized, or spoke negatively of others. 

Luke leaves a lasting legacy through the many lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lena and Louie Flesher, and his first wife, Vickie. He is survived by his wife, Linda Flesher; his brother, Joe Flesher; sister, Carol Fowler; his son, Michael Flesher (Renay); stepson, Chris Browning; grandchildren Joseph Browning (Kristina), Kaycee Browning, and Max Browning; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Family-hosted visitation will be held Saturday, January 3 from 1.00 to 2:30 p.m with services at 2:30 p.m at park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock.

Memorials may be made to Urban Promise, The Gideons, or Park Hill Baptist Church’s Future Fund.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service & Crematory 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com