Diane Henderson Loucks

Our beloved mother, Diane Henderson Loucks, 82, of Owensboro, Kentucky, passed away Monday morning, July 1, 2024 at her home. She was born September 16, 1941 in Fargo, ND to her loving parents, the late Vernon Frederick Henderson and Elizabeth Johnson Henderson. Their nurturing of their first born helped Diane become the courageous, strong-willed, caring, compassionate woman she grew to be.

 Diane graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1959 and studied Home Economics and Nutrition at North Dakota State University. In 1962 she married her Fargo High sweetheart Daniel Loucks. They welcomed their first son Steve in 1963 as Dan earned his undergraduate degree from Concordia College. Dan then earned his Masters in Education from Moorhead State College in 1964 before taking a teaching and coaching position at Eau Claire Memorial High School in Eau Claire, WI. The births of sons Brad and Eric soon followed. Diane cherished her role as a mother above all else. She was an exemplary home cook and warmhearted mom who wanted the best for her boys. She was selfless and dedicated much of her life to their success and wellbeing. I don’t know if any three boys had a better childhood than we had growing up in Eau Claire.

 A chance for Dan to open his own sporting goods business and give his sons more athletic opportunities brought the family to Owensboro in 1978 as Dan’s brother, John had just moved to Owensboro to start his medical practice. Dan opened Fleet Feet Sporting Goods and enrolled the boys in Owensboro High School where they found success in the classroom and athletics. With the boys in school and Dan pursuing his passion for homebuilding during the day, it was up to Diane to work the store. She helped make it successful and somehow still found time to be the best sports mom anyone could ask for during our school years.

 Thanks to loyal customers and the efforts of the entire family, Fleet Feet became a thriving business that had a great 35 year run before closing in 2014, even surviving Dan’s hypertensive brain hemorrhage in 1996. We will always be grateful to our patrons for supporting our store.

 Dan and Diane shared 58 years together until Dan passed away October 3, 2020. Diane has suffered from dementia and required constant care for the last few years. Her spirit and sweet attitude endured to the end.

 Diane is survived by her children, Steve, Brad and Eric (Tammy) Loucks all of Owensboro; her sister, Marilyn Sather of Albuquerque, NM; a brother, Dick (Becky) Henderson of Fargo, ND; five grandchildren, John Bradley Loucks, Jordan (Hadley) Loucks, Andrea Loucks, Sydney Loucks and Jackson Loucks, all of Owensboro; brothers-in-law, Bob Loucks, Dr. John (Marna) Loucks, Glen (Ann) Stewart and Lyle Loucks; sister-in-law, Linda Bradley; and sixteen nieces and nephews and their spouses.

 The graveside service at Elmwood Cemetery will be private. A celebration of Diane’s life will take place this fall at a date yet to be determined.

 Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Owensboro Independent Schools Foundation for Excellence, 450 Griffith Ave., Owensboro, KY 42301.

 Memories and condolences for the family of Diane Henderson Loucks may be offered online at www.glenncares.com.