Robert Ronald Ludke, age 88, of Columbia, Tenn., passed from this life late Monday evening, August 16, 2021 at NHC of Columbia. Born August 23, 1932 in Detroit, he was the son of the late Norman Ludke and Amy Beverly and is preceded in death by: wife, Jewel Gladys Beasley Ludke; brother, Teddy Ludke; sister in law, Joyce Ludke.
Robert (Bob) graduated class of 1949 from Robertsdale High School where he played for The Golden Bears Baseball Team. In 1951 he married the love of his life Jewel G. Beasley, together they started a family in 1955. During that time Bob worked at First National Bank in Robertson, Ala. then decided to serve his country very proudly as a Stenographer in the U.S. Army stationed in Fort Still, Okla.
Bob and Jewel moved all over the southeast with stops in Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama due to his job with Pittsburg Plate Glass Co. Then during the 70’s, Bob owned and operated Dauphin and Sage Shell full-service gas station where it was widely known for its wonderful service and work ethic all across the community for 15 years. Alongside of his son Kevin he pitched for Sage Avenue Church of Christ softball team. In 1991 they relocated to Robertsdale and became active with the Senior Citizens Program and Hurricane Relief Program with Robertsdale Church of Christ. In 2016 they would make their final stop in Columbia, Tenn.
Bob was a wonderful father and loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed playing golf, board games, cards (especially Rummy), camping at the beach especially one of the family favorite yearly vacations in Maggie Valley, N.C., watching the Atlanta Braves play baseball, and was a true-blue Auburn Tigers fan.
Bob is survived by daughters; Trena (Jim) Tracy of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Tammy Castorena of Columbia; son, Kevin (Nancy) Ludke of S.C.; grandchildren, Chad (Heather), Craig, Connor (Gracie) Tracy, Caleigh (Colby) Reed, Clemente and Chloe Castorena, great grandchild, Will Tracy. Funeral service was held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday August 21, 2021, at Robertsdale Church of Christ with Ricky Butts officiating. Burial followed at Hail Memorial Cemetery in Robertsdale. Memorial donations may be made to Robertsdale Church of Christ by Mail at 18250 Pennsylvania St., Robertsdale, AL 36567.
Doak-Howell Funeral Home is serving the family in Tennessee.
Mack Funeral Home is serving the family in Alabama.
