Luther Amos Zirkle was born October 3, 1938 to Clarence E. and Bertie B. Zirkle, in New Market.  He graduated from New Market High School in 1957 and Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1962 and worked as an extension agent for the VPI Cooperative Extension Service. In 1991 Luther moved back to New Market to assist his parents in their final years. He suffered a stroke in 1994 and was never able to return to his home in Cumberland.  On March 20, 2002 he moved into the Masonic Home of Virginia where he resided until his final move to his heavenly home on February 16, 2017.

Luther was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his son, Ernest Bruce Zirkle and a daughter, Amy Zirkle Warlitner and her husband, Scott Warlitner, a grandson, Ernest Bruce Zirkle Jr. and fiancé, Amanda Horton, all of Cumberland; a brother, Dr. Ernest Zirkle, DVM, of Bridgeton, New Jersey and his wife, Cindy, other cousins, several nieces and one nephew.

He was Past Master, Cumberland Lodge 283; Past District Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Virginia and Past Patron of Robert Morris Chapter 150, Order of the Eastern Star.

Family night services will be held at Puckett Funeral Home on February 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. A memorial service will be held immediately following. There will also be a service at the Masonic Home of Virginia at a later date.

Should you wish to make a contribution in his memory, the family requests that you consider Cumberland Lodge #283 Scholarship Fund, PO Box 291, Cumberland, VA 23040 or the Masonic Home of Virginia, 500 Masonic Lane, Richmond, VA 23223.

Puckett Funeral Home, Farmville, is serving the family. www.puckettfh.com.