Hiram "Luke" Short

Hiram J. Short, 78, resident of Park Ridge, IL, passed away on August 3, 2020.   He was born in Kentucky on Sept. 8, 1941, to Wes Short and Sarah Slone Short.   Hiram, nicknamed “Luke”, is survived by Diane Cella Short, his devoted wife of 54 years; son, Christopher Hiram Short; two grandsons, Christopher Tyler Short  and Austin William Short; former daughter-in-law Donna Short; one sister, Anna B. Hall; three brothers: Leon (Carrie) Short; Kermit (Clova) Short; Darrell (Barbara) Short; and many nieces and nephews.

Hiram grew up on a farm in Kentucky with seven brothers and three sisters.  After completing his education, he bravely joined the US Army and was later honorably discharged after serving in Germany as a sharpshooter, company clerk and medic during the Berlin Wall Crisis of 1961. Upon returning to the states, he pursued a lifelong career at Methode Electronics, Harwood Heights, and worked on his most notable goal - the July 1969 moon landing. He was presented with a plaque by William McGinley, president of Methode, that read: “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” that was signed by lunar landing astronauts Armstrong, Collins, Aldrin, and Nixon. 

On a personal level, Hiram enjoyed spending time with his wife and his family, particularly his grandchildren. He found great joy in helping coach the kids in baseball and basketball with his son, and attending their sporting events during their high school sports careers. Hiram was truly a loving and caring father and grandfather who would go out of his way to help his family. In addition to the time with his family, Hiram enjoyed time with friends, traveling the US and abroad, and spent decades playing Sunday golf at Arlington Lakes, having the distinction to be inducted into its “hole-in-one” club. An avid sports enthusiast, he worked as a part-time softball umpire for the Chicago Park District, joined the company bowling team, and skillfully persisted in playing basketball well into 60’s when he finally called it quits. 

Funeral Services and Interment were private. A Memorial Service will be held at a future date.