Douglas V. Luden

Douglas V. Luden was born January 23, 1949 to Albert K. and Betty J. Luden in San Pedro, CA. He was the younger brother of Charol Luden Tedesco. He passed away quietly at home after a valiant struggle with a long illness on March 24, 2017. He attended Leland Street School, Dana Junior High and San Pedro High School. As a young boy he was involved in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, where he served as the mascot for his older sister's troop. He was a spirited and fearless child breaking his nose and both arms twice because of jumping out of trees and off balconies. He participated in DeMolay and rose to the rank of Master Counselor. He loved playing softball for DeMolay and varsity tennis at San Pedro High School. He received his AA from Harbor College and his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Cal State Dominguez Hills. After college Douglas joined the Navy and then the Navy Reserves from 1971-1977. He served most of his time as a photographers mate at Point Mugu. He became a teacher for the Lennox Unified School District in 1973. He was a gifted and dedicated teacher. He received several awards including Teacher of the Year and the We Honor Ours, or WHO award. His colleagues organized a "Doug Luden Day" to honor his service as Lennox Teachers Association President. He was a strong advocate for students, teachers and public education. He proudly taught there until his retirement in 2008. He met his wife, Janet, at Cal State Dominguez Hills. It was almost love at first sight, and they were married in 1975. She was also a teacher and taught at Fleming Middle School and Narbonne High School. They moved to Lomita in 1976 and lived there until his death. He and Janet had two children, a son Gregory and a daughter Rebecca, both of whom he was very proud. He was an active dad always playing in the pool with them or organizing a neighborhood football game. He taught them to work hard and to persevere through life's challenges. Community service and volunteering were very important to Douglas and he volunteered much of his time with the Boy Scouts as a Cub and then Scout Master for Troop# 213 and fund raising for the March of Dimes. He also volunteered at his church, Torrance First Baptist, as a camp counselor and set builder for Colossians productions. As a child, Douglas and his family enjoyed many happy trips to Lake Arrowhead. He continued this tradition with his wife and children. Those times at Lake Arrowhead hiking, swimming in the lake and playing hours of the dice game Greed are among his families most treasured memories. Douglas always loved to play tennis and after his retirement he joined the Senior Tennis Club at Sur La Brea Park. He enjoyed many mornings on the courts with good friends. He was a trusted friend and advisor to many. His strong moral compass and gentle humor made him a favorite of those needing help with anything from remodeling their home, restoring a car or resolving a personal issue. He was predeceased by his parents, and his sister and brother-in-law, Charol and Michael Tedesco. Douglas leaves behind his wife Janet Luden, his children and their spouses: Greg and Vanessa Luden and Rebecca and Ryan Popke.He also leaves his three nieces, Kimberlee Tedesco, Kallen (Joe) Patalano and Kara (Alex) Montano. He will be missed by his compassionate and loyal caregivers, Irwin Flores Mercado and Thomas Le Bai Virador who extended his life, and allowed him to enjoy it. He also leaves many more loving relatives from his extended family. On Janet's side of the family there are many who loved their son-in law, brother-in-law, uncle and great- uncle.

Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275