Andrew Luther Lucas

1924 - 2017

Andrew Luther Andy' Lucas December 21, 1924 - September 22, 2017 Yuma AZ Andrew Luther Lucas, 92, entered his eternal home on September 22, 2017 at Arbor Hills Nursing Center in La Mesa CA. He was born December 21, 1924 the son of Rev. Andrew S. Lucas and Edna Mae (Kraklow) Lucas in Ironwood MI and grew up in Laurium MI. On December 7, 1941 (Pearl Harbor Day) the family started their journey and moved to La Mesa CA when his father received the calling to become the founder of Christ Lutheran Church. Andy graduated at Grossmont High School, La Mesa CA and enlisted into the Army. Because he was a skilled skier he was accepted into the 10th Mountain Army Special Forces to fight in World War II. This new division was an experiment to train skiers and climbers to fight in the most difficult, mountainous terrain in Europe. After months of training in altitudes up to 13,500 feet in Colorado they were deployed to begin the first of a series of daring assaults against the Germans in the Northern Italian Alps. Most of his fighting was on and around Mt. Belvedere and in February 1945 was the Battle of Riva Ridge, where Andy was wounded. During Andy's tour in the Alps he was awarded the Purple Heart and received three Bronze Stars for his heroisms.Andy returned to La Mesa and married the love of his life Gwen Marie Otte January 14, 1949, had three children and were together for over 68 years. Andy worked as a commercial artist for Frye & Smith Publishing creating and designing advertising billboards, magazine layouts, etc. for several accounts such as San Diego Zoo and Sea World. Andy also worked for the graphic design firm Suzuki & Wright to develop the groundbreaking magazine Psychology Today. His hobbies were snow skiing (both cross country and downhill), hiking, drawing and painting. He was so proud of his service in the 10th Mountain Special Forces he spent years documenting the history of the 10th Mountain Troops, even creating a room in his home honoring the 10th Mt. troops with pictures, letters, and memorabilia.Andy is preceded in death by his parents, and sister Ednamae Parsch on August 1, 2017. He will be deeply missed by his wife Gwen and their three children: Stephanie (Gary) Etchings, El Cajon CA; Andy Lucas Jr., Yuma AZ; Nanci (Michael) Francesconi, Sacramento CA; by nine grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.He is further survived by sister, Esther Tapper and brother, Nathaniel Lucas, La Mesa CA and by other relatives and friends. A private family service to celebrate Andy's life will be held at Mt. Soledad Veteran Memorial, La Jolla CA, where he has a plaque placed in his honor, September 27th. A service will also be held at Christ Lutheran Church, Yuma AZ September 30th.The family express its special thanks to the care given to Andy by the staff at Arbor Hills Nursing Center, La Mesa CA in his final days; also to the staff of Life Care Center of Yuma.