ROBERT LUCAS

Robert F. Lucas Surrounded by his family and the presence of God, Robert F. Lucas was born into everlasting life on June 21, 2013. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Bob, as he liked to be called, was born October 9, 1925 in Morgantown, WV to Philip and Samantha Lucas. He moved to Cumberland, MD when he was in the first grade and spent the remainder of his formative years there. He attended Allegany High School where he played football, basketball and baseball. In the midst of WW II, he enlisted in the Marine Corps before his senior year and served in the Pacific Theater. He graduated from high school thereafter and subsequently attended West Virginia Wesleyan College and Virginia Polytechnic Institute. However, he got the itch to reenter the Armed Services and joined the Army this time, going on to serve in the Korean Conflict where his actions resulted in the award of the Bronze Star Medal. In 1975, he retired from the Army as a Master Sergeant with 28 years of dedicated service to his country. Afterwards, he attended El Paso Community College and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), earning a Bachelor's degree in Education from the later institution in 1984. While going to school, he was employed full-time with the Department of the Army in a civilian capacity. He enjoyed working as an education specialist at Ft. Bliss for 17 years before retiring from his second career. In the community, Bob was a member of the Lion's Club and supported the Northgate Optimist Club. He was a member of the Hillcrest Baptist Church, where he appreciated Pastor Dickinson's sermons and liked listening to the choir perform during services. Bob was a very outgoing person with a huge sense of humor. At one point in his life, he had a propensity to introduce himself as "Honest Bob" and in recent years would answer the inquiry, "How are you doing?" with one of two responses: "Filled with the joy of living" or "Finer than frog's hair." He loved talking to people and as the saying goes, "He never met a stranger." He was an opinionated individual who was prone to engage others in spirited debates. He was a good friend and a generous man, at times to a fault. When he was younger, his hobbies included golf and fishing. He was a regular at UTEP football games before physical limitations prevented him from attending. He loved playing all sorts of card games and was a fierce but friendly competitor. In his later years, he relished going to a nearby senior center to play Pinochle twice a week. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Philip Lucas, Jr.; and his first wife, Emma Kallmyer Lucas. He is survived by his devoted wife, Tomiko; his son, Grant, daughter-in-law, Pat, and grandson, Robert, of Boerne, TX; his son, Mark, and daughter-in-law, Faith, of El Paso, TX; and his nieces and their families, Christy Wright of Houston, TX and Vicki Lucas of Phoenix, MD. Visitation will be from 5-9pm on Sunday, June 30, 2013 at the Sunset Funeral Home-Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass. A funeral service will be held Monday, July 1, 2013 at 10am at Sunset Funeral Home with the interment at 11am at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Please visit the on-line register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net. Bob valiantly contended with the health challenges that beset him during the final 10 days of his life and was ultimately blessed with the Lord's perfect healing. His passing reminded us of the Apostle Paul's words in 2 Timothy, 4:7 (KJV): "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." The immediate family wishes to thank all our family and friends for their support and prayers at this time.