Luke Barnard

Luke was a cherished son, husband, and father who touched many lives. Luke was the second child of Marvin and Mary, born November 10, 1992. He was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI. Luke’s siblings looked up to him as a strong role model and source of encouragement and motivation. His older sister Theresa, and younger siblings, Andrew, Samantha, James, Jonathan, Thaddeus, Nathaniel, David, and Magdelena enjoyed his enthusiasm for music and organization of family events and outings.

Luke began learning music at an early age, taking piano lessons from his Great-Aunt Jo. He continued to develop his musical abilities with group lessons on trombone and by participating in West Michigan Homeschool Fine Arts bands and choirs. During his high school years he also directed instrumental groups for church concerts.

After completing his homeschool education, Luke attended Ferris State University for two years studying pre-pharmacy. He decided engineering fit his interests more than pharmacy, and switched to Michigan State University, graduating a few years later with a Chemical Engineering degree. An internship at ThermalTech Engineering transitioned into a permanent position as a mechanical engineer. Luke’s organization, strong work ethic, and thorough approach to each project were greatly valued by his coworkers.

Luke first met his wife, Holly, singing in the Choral Ambassadors choir. A few years later, they began dating. Their love for each other grew quickly, and they were soon engaged. Luke and Holly were married on July 10, 2020 at Providence Reformed Church, followed by an outdoor reception. They enjoyed a two-week honeymoon in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and then settled into their home on 4 Mile Road.

There was nothing that meant more to Luke in life than his family. He and Holly were overjoyed to welcome their three children, Mariah, Marcus and Ethan, into their hearts and home. Luke thrived in his role as father and devoted himself to being very hands on with his kids. He was always in charge of bathtime, and he organized fun activities or outings for their family almost every weekend. Luke loved to organize all kinds of family events, parties, trips, or cottage retreats. He was also a thoughtful gift giver and always made sure that his family knew how much they were loved.

Luke had many hobbies that kept him busy in his free time. He enjoyed photography and especially liked to feature lighthouses as the subject of his photos. Music was a lifelong passion and became his ministry to others. Luke played and owned several instruments and directed the Foundation Brass Band. He also played in bands at Ferris State University, Michigan State University, and the Battle Creek Community Band. He directed many church programs and helped Holly in her role as music coordinator of their church, Bethel United Reformed Church. Luke also extended his gifts to help many area churches with brass music accompaniments in their music events. He even learned how to set up and run sound systems. “But be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:18-21).

Luke’s faith was the foundation of his life. He knew himself to be a sinner: “For I know that in me dwelleth no good thing” (Romans 7:18). His hope was in Jesus’ righteousness alone. “There is therefore no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).Throughout his cancer diagnosis and treatments he felt the presence and comfort of the Lord Jesus. He knew his good heavenly Father would do what was best for him. This confidence enabled him to endure the suffering that cancer brought with patience and thankfulness (Colossians 3:15). God’s will was that Luke would be brought to Himself. All glory be to Christ the King, all glory be to Christ.

Abide With Me

Abide with me: fast falls the eventide;

the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.

When other helpers fail and comforts flee,

Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;

earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away.

Change and decay in all around I see.

O thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need thy presence every passing hour.

What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power?

Who like thyself my guide and strength can be?

Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.

I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless,

ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.

Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?

I triumph still, if thou abide with me.

Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes.

Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.

Heaven's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee;

in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Luke Daniel Barnard, age 32, passed away June 4, 2025 with his loving family at his side. Luke was born November 10, 1992 in Grand Rapids. He was a member of Bethel United Reformed Church, director of Foundation Brass Band, and a licensed professional engineer. Luke is survived by his wife, Holly Barnard, and their children, Mariah, Marcus and Ethan; his parents, Marvin and Mary Barnard; his siblings, Theresa (Wilbert) Rozendaal, Andrew (Katelyn) Barnard, Samantha (Paul) Dykema, James (Susanna) Barnard, Jonathan (Tabitha Landheer) Barnard, Thaddeus (Faith Boot) Barnard, Nathaniel Barnard, David Barnard; mother-in-law, Joanne Marcoux; sister and brothers-in-law, Megan (Jacob) Tjapkes, Joshua Marcoux, Caleb Marcoux, Matthew Marcoux; niece and nephews, Caleb, Anneke, and Zacchaeus; grandmother, Marie Rosendall; grandmother-in-law, Virginia Rubingh; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Luke was preceded in death by his sister, Magdelena Barnard; father-in-law, Ronald Marcoux; and grandparents, James Rosendall, Ervin and Arlene Barnard, Martin Rubingh, and Richard and Pauline Marcoux. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 11 AM at Fair Haven Church, 2900 Baldwin St. Hudsonville, MI 49426. Friends may visit with family on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE and beginning at 10 AM Tuesday at the church. Interment will be in Fairplains Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Alpha Care Center of Lowell.