Obituary: Popular ex-landlord dies (From Witney Gazette)

Obituary: Popular ex-landlord dies

2:49pm Friday 9th February 2007 in Witney By Tim Hughes

TRIBUTES have been paid to a former police officer, turned pub landlord, who has died.

Raymond Luker, of Bourton Close, Witney, served as a police officer in Banbury between 1955 and 1960, then made the unusual step of taking over a pub in the town - The Constitution Tavern.

He stayed in Banbury for 24 years, becoming a popular figure in the town, before moving to Witney to became landlord of the Carpenters Arms, in Newland. He retired in 1993.

He died on February 2, following an illness.

His son, Graham Luker, of Painswick Close, Witney, said: "He was well loved by his family and his friends."

Talking about his father's unusual career, Mr Luker said: "The money in the police force was no good then, so he decided to do something better for his family. People respected him, and he kept his pubs in an exemplary manner."

Daughter-in-law, Jackie Luker, said: "He was very popular, and was well known by publicans and drinkers. He will be very fondly remembered."

Raymond Luker is survived by his wife, Evelyn, three children, and six grandchildren. The funeral took place at Oxford Crematorium on Friday.