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Lt. Col. Jerry Lucas Obituary
A 1980 graduate of East Hardin High School, Lt. Col. Lucas received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Kentucky and his Master's in International Business and Economics from Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School. He furthered his education at Lviv National University of Ukraine and Heidelberg University International Programs. A world traveler who loved learning, he was fluent in Ukrainian, Russian and German.
Jerry spent 22 years of dedicated service in the U.S. Army. He was a senior strategist with the Department of Defense, worked at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and served at the Pentagon for 15 years. He also served with the USACE in both Louisville and Washington, D.C.. well as the U.S. Embassies in Ukraine, Russia and Kazakhstan.
His love and compassion for children and orphans motivated him to spearhead various charitable activities. He was instrumental in collecting funds to purchase computer programs and electronic encyclopedias for a school in Votkinsk, Russia, thus making it the first school in Votkinsk to have internet access. Whether he was obtaining infant high chairs for Russian orphanages or organizing youth outings to museums and theaters stateside, he used his gifts to make a better life for countless children throughout the world.
Lt. Col. Lucas was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Olice and Blanche Lucas; and his maternal grandparents, Heinrich and Marie Ruhland.
Survivors include his parents, Jerry and Marianne Lucas of Elizabethtown; two sisters, Patricia Lucas of Elizabethtown and Christina (Larry) Ballard of Shepherdsville; a brother, Tony (Bev) Lucas of Creighton, Nebraska; five nephews, five great-nephews, a great-niece; and his former wife, Dr. Ohla Halybar of Boston, Massachusetts. Always smiling and ready to lend a helping hand, it is no surprise Jerry left his mark throughout the world, leaving behind many family and friends who loved and cherished him.
The funeral is at 11 a.m. Monday, April 11, at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery-Central, 2501 N. Dixie Blvd. in Radcliff.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation at garysinisefoundation.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lt. Col. Jerry Lucas
Lasisi Tabel
March 19, 2025
Keep resting in peace, Jerry
Barry Gaddie
May 4, 2022
Christina I wanted to say I am sorry to hear of Jerry´s passing. Cathy and I wish you and your family peace at this time.
RICKY ALLEN
April 8, 2022
What a great contribution you gave to those in need.
We had so many great memories in that VW van and more.
Rest in peace Brother and my GOD Bless your family.
Danny Kelly
April 4, 2022
I can´t believe this message, he was a great friend and a great mentor to all of us. A great family, and I learned a great deal from you my friend. Rest in peace and thank you for your hard work and your dedication sir
Chip McIntyre
March 31, 2022
So sorry to hear this! Jerry was a great friend to many and a wonderful person! My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Lucas family.
Sis Tabel
March 27, 2022
Rest in perfect Peace my dearest Wade. You´ll never be forgotten .
Teresa Strunk
March 26, 2022
Jerry has been a great friend to many through the years and I will treasure our talks always. Jerry always had time to share and an infectious smile. Fly high Jerry!
Tammy Grimes Daniels
March 25, 2022
Sending condolences and prayers to the Lucas family!
Michele Edlin Robbins
March 25, 2022
I have so many fond memories of Jerry and your family. We were always anxious to see and spend time with Jerry because of his great personality and kind disposition. He is missed and I am heartbroken for your family. You will remain in my prayers.
Barbara Lasley
March 25, 2022
Much sympathy and sorrow for this loss in your family! May God be with each and all of the Lucas family and bless you with His loving presence, peace, comfort, and great love in days, weeks, months, and years ahead as you miss Jerry!
Becky Dailey Gardner
March 25, 2022
So sorry for the loss of Jerry. We used to live next door when we were kids. We always had so much fun and great
memories.
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