It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Lucas "Luke" Eugene Schlabs, of Dover Oklahoma who departed this life on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the age of 47.

Luke was born January 22, 1979, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Walter Schlabs and Rebecca "Becky" Pierson. He grew up in Scotland, Texas, and graduated from Midway High School in 1997.

Luke learned the value of hard work at a young age, working alongside his dad in the plumbing business. It was there that his dream of becoming a cowboy began. He went on to ride broncs and work as a ranch hand while raising his two beautiful daughters, Alora and Autumn.

In 2004, Luke moved his family to Kingfisher, Oklahoma, where he began a career as a pipeline welder. After many years of welding, his experience eventually led him to pipeline inspection.

In 2013, Luke met the love of his life, Heather. Luke brought his two daughters, Alora and Autumn, while Heather brought her three children, Tanner, Kaleb, and Erika. Together, they blended their families and built a life filled with unconditional love and countless memories.

In 2023, Luke returned to his roots as a ranch hand at O'Hern Farms. He was an old soul and a cowboy through and through, happiest with his boots on the ground and surrounded by the people he loved. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, feeding the cows, and spending time with his family.

Luke and Heather were blessed with nine grandchildren, and being "Paw" was one of the greatest joys of his life. He loved having his grandkids right alongside him, whether they were fishing, hunting, feeding cows, or simply spending time together. It didn't matter what they were doing as long as they were together. Luke loved his grandkids deeply and was so proud to be their Paw.

Luke also had a gift for making people laugh. He could make up a story out of nowhere, find humor in almost any situation, and usually had an ornery grin waiting around the corner. And if you knew Luke, you knew his cowboy look was never complete without his taco-shaped cowboy hat and bright yellow cowboy boots. His humor, his smile, and all the little things that made him Luke will never be forgotten.

Luke is survived by his wife, Heather Schlabs of the home; daughter Alora and Brandon Clifton, and their children, Nash, Briar, and Navy, of Washington, Oklahoma; daughter, Autumn and Tanner Mercer, and their children, Bowen, Weston, Kolter, and Walker, of Kingfisher, Oklahoma; Kaleb Mercer and companion Josi Oxendine, of Kingfisher, Oklahoma; and Erika Mercer and fiancé Kade Krittenbrink, and their children, Levvy and Trey, of Kingfisher, Oklahoma.

He is also survived by his parents, Walter and Connie Schlabs of Scotland, Texas; his mother, Becky Pierson of Gainesville, Texas; his sister, Lanna (Chris) Carter, and their children, Carson, Caleb, and Levi Carter, of Pilot Point, Texas; his brother, Chuck Schlabs, and his son, Brett Schlabs, of Wichita Falls, Texas; along with many other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved him dearly.

Luke was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Albertina and Antone Schlabs and Francis and Eugene Dean; and his aunt and uncle, Janie and Billy Dean.

A celebration of Luke's life will be held Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Dover Christian Church in Dover, Oklahoma. A graveside burial will follow at New Home Cemetery in Dover, Oklahoma, under the direction of Sanders Funeral Services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to Heather Mercer (Schlabs) at Equity Bank in Kingfisher, Oklahoma.