NORTH VERNON

Lucas Christopher “Luke” Newton, 34, of North Vernon, and formerly of Columbus, died unexpectedly at 7:35 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015, at St. Vincent Jennings Hospital in North Vernon.

Born in Bluffton, he was the son of JaNelle Crider Houser and Robert Newton, both of whom survive.

Luke was a 1999 graduate of Columbus East High School. He loved video gaming, writing and playing music for many instruments. He was a Star Wars and Batman buff.

Survivors include his mother, JaNelle (Jonathon) Houser of Anderson; father, Robert (Guadalupe) Newton of North Vernon; sister, April Spires of Columbus; fiancée, Autumn Temple of North Vernon; daughter, Lillian Newton of North Vernon; son, Alexander Temple of North Vernon; stepson, Ezekiel Pierce of North Vernon; maternal and paternal grandparents, the Rev. Dave (Carol) Crider of Bluffton and Robert (Minnie) Newton of Columbus; and nephews, Maison Spires and Jacob Burton, both of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal great-grandparents.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 5 to 6 p.m. today with a celebration of Luke’s life at 6 p.m. at Myers-Reed Chapel in Columbus with the Rev. David Crider officiating.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice of any animal rescue groups.

Online condolences may be shared at myers-reed.com.