Gregory Banks Lucas Sr.

The world lost a colossus of a man on Saturday, Oct. 25, with the passing of Gregory Banks Lucas, Sr.

Born in El Paso, TX, on May 15, 1953, Greg spent his early years forming childhood friendships on Hawaii Street that lasted for decades. When his family moved to Devonshire Street, he met the love of his life, Sandra, a few houses away.

Greg and Sandra raised three awesome children and spent 34 wonderful years together while he built a career as a public servant, making the streets safer as a member of the El Paso Police Department, and later, as a senior investigator, captain, and law enforcement liaison with the Texas State Attorney General's Office in Austin. During his time there, he was able to mentor and provide training to countless police officers. Additionally, for over 20 years, he was a member of the board for the Texas Police Athletic Federation, participating in the Texas Police Games with officers all over the state.

After losing Sandra to cancer in 2008, he was lucky enough to meet the second love of his life in Mary. They married and spent a happy and devoted 16 years together, taking care of each other through his final years with the Attorney General and into his retirement. He loved every day of that well-earned retirement almost as much as he loved bragging about his pride in his beautiful wife and amazing grandchildren.

As a younger man, Greg was an avid and talented bowler and softball player in El Paso. He was also a keen card player all his life, particularly poker and cribbage. One of his greatest joys as he got older was making friends at regular card games wherever he lived. He also delighted in playing poker with family - but not in taking their money; if someone was about to lose, he was known to toss them some of his chips so they could still play. His innate sense of humor was evident at the card table but also in all other places; he loved to make - and hear - all kinds of jokes and puns, and his spirited, jovial laugh would just warm the room.

Greg dedicated over 40 years of his life to law enforcement with an unwavering belief in the value of law, justice, and a commitment to serve his fellow man with a blend of pride, kindness, courage, and commitment to truth that are rare in that field. He was a tall and strong man, a reflection of not only his physical strength but also the size of his beautiful heart and steadfast spirit. He had a gift of meeting new people and listening to what they said with such sincere interest and warm feeling that by the time they left him, everyone he met felt like they were special to him. And they were. He really did have a heart as big as Texas, and he gave the best hugs. He saw the best in people and loved them exceptionally. He was caring, loving, and brave. He made people feel safe. Our lives are immeasurably richer for having known him.

Greg was predeceased by his first wife, Sandra, and is survived by his wife Mary; his sons, Greg Jr. and John; his daughter, Jennifer (Tim); Mary's children Eddie (Wendy) and Mary Beth; grandchildren Gregory III, Julianna, AJ, Gwen, Miles, Matthew, Allison, Rachel, Weston, and Katy; and great-grandson Kalon, with one more, Clancy, on the way.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Frontline Healing Foundation.

Services to remember and celebrate his life are as follows:

Rosary: Thursday, Oct. 30, 5 pm -7 pm

Ramsey Funeral Home

5600 Williams Dr.

Georgetown, Texas 78633

Funeral Mass: Friday, Oct. 31, 9:30 am

St. Helen Catholic Church

2700 E University Avenue Georgetown TX 78626

Officiate: Father Hai Nguyen

Graveside service following the funeral mass (immediate family only):

Live Oak Cemetery

10739-10799 Twin Creeks Rd

Manchaca, TX 78652

Celebration of Life: Saturday, Nov. 1, 2 pm - 4 pm

Cowan Creek Community Center

1433 Cool Spring Way

Georgetown, TX 78633