Fallen Deputy Jasper Luckett honored with headstone: Remembering the hero of 1943

A headstone was placed for Deputy Jasper Luckett during a ceremony recently held in his honor. Luckett lost his life while serving a warrant on May 11, 1943.

Members of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office attended the event, including Sheriff Martin Pace, Deputy T’onna Sims, Tax Assessor Ben Luckett, and Deputies Joseph Stubbs and John Henry.

Doug Arp orchestrated this special event, having dedicated considerable effort to researching officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Gibson Monuments & Vases generously donated the headstones for Deputy Luckett.

Back in 1943, Deputy Luckett was serving an arrest warrant to James Hughes, who faced accusations of incest by his former wife. Early accounts suggest one of Hughes’ daughters bore a child, allegedly fathered by him. When Luckett approached Hughes’ residence, Hughes refused to cooperate. As Luckett entered, he was mortally wounded by a bullet near his heart.

After the shooting, Hughes and his family fled the scene on foot but were apprehended shortly afterward by Highway Patrol near Sherman Avenue’s woodland area.

While Luckett’s name already graces the National Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., recognizing his sacrifice in the line of duty, his gravesite now bears the inscription “killed in the line of duty.” This ensures future generations will remember his dedication to serving the people of Warren County.

Headstone of Deputy Jasper Luckett: Photo by Keith Phillips