Elmer Howard Lusk

Elmer Howard Lusk passed peacefully from this life on March 24, 2016, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday at 2:00 P.M. at South Gate Church of Christ with John Vaughan, Joe Macer, and John Thomas officiating. Graveside services will be conducted Monday at 10:00 A.M. at Polk Memorial Gardens. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements. The family suggests memorials to South Gate Church of Christ, 2700 Pulaski Highway, Columbia, TN 38401; Freed-Hardeman University, 158 East Main Street, Henderson, TN 38340; Columbia Academy, 1101 West Seventh Street, Columbia, TN 38401; or Timothy Hill Children's Ranch, 298 Middle Road, Riverhead, NY 11901. Fond memories and condolences to the family may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. He was born on May 6, 1933, in Union City, TN, to Lowell B. and Mary Rose Pierce Lusk. He was affectionately known as "Snookie" to those who knew him. He graduated from Freed-Hardeman University, Lipscomb University, George Peabody College, and completed other coursework at Harding School of Theology. Being quite the athlete, he participated in baseball, basketball, and golf while in college. College was also where he met and married his wife of 61 years, Helen Fike of Jasper, AL. Brother Lusk served as a minister of the Gospel for over 60 years until failing health caused him to retire in 2015. He served with the following churches: New Lasea, Eastside (37 years), Hilltown, and South Point churches of Christ, all in Maury County; in Giles County at Odd Fellows Hall; and at Memorial Drive church of Christ in Decatur, AL. He also taught Bible at Columbia Academy. Besides preaching which was his life's passion and work, he also enjoyed participating in many other activities. He was an accomplished golfer and an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. He carried his love of sports into the field of officiating and served as a TSSAA official for over 25 years. He called baseball, softball, basketball, and football games, as well as evaluating schools for the A. F. Bridges Awards Program for sportsmanship. Elmer also collected, refinished, and restored antique furniture for several years. Many in Columbia knew him for another one of his hobbies which was gardening. He was instrumental in beginning the Farmer's Market and sold fresh produce to the community for many years. When he became unable to garden himself, he would purchase items from the Amish community in Ethridge for his produce stand. He loved selling, sharing, and giving to others. In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters, Barbara Becnel of Fort Worth, TX, Alice (David) Stofel of Lawrenceburg, Jennifer (Lee) Winchester of Columbia; sons, Stephen (Debbie) Lusk of Chattanooga, Greg (Kelly) Lusk of Mt. Pleasant; fourteen grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; sister, Dorothy B. Rhea of Union City; son-in-law, Paul S. Davis of Nashville; and several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ann Davis; sister, Imogene Lusk; and brothers, M. L. Lusk and Gerald Lusk.Family members will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers include elders, deacons, and ministers with whom he worked through the years.