Thomas C. Lucas

Thomas C. (Sonny) Lucas of Lock Haven passed into the arms of Jesus at his home  on March 15, 2023.  He married the former Mary Wagner  with whom they shared 69 ½ years of marriage.

Tom  was born December 13, 1931 to Ken and Martha Kunes Lucas but he was raised by his grandparents Annie and Clarence Kunes.

He graduated from Lock Haven High School Class of 1949. During his high school years he served as a student manager for the notorious 49ers football and wrestling teams.

Tom proudly served  his country in the United States Army attaining the rank of SgtT3.  He was attached to the reserve unit for 8  years.  He received his training at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland and while on active duty he was stationed at various bases.  The most recent was Fort Bliss, Texas where he worked at White Sands Proving Grounds, New Mexico.  He was a mechanic working on the Nike Missiles.  He had a top security clearance from the US Army and received a National Defense Service Medal.

Tom’s wife, Mary, and infant son, Greg, joined him in El Paso, Texas during his active duty.  They enjoyed many trips around the southwest.

Tom retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation as a construction engineer with District 10B,  Clearfield, Pa.  He retired after 30  plus years of service. During that time he received several awards noting his maintaining safety on the job.

Tom was a 50 plus member of First Church of Christ, Lock Haven, PA where he served in many different missions.  He served as chair of the Official Board and mentored those who followed, Chair and officer of the trustees, and a deacon for many years.  He visited the church almost every morning.  Most recently he was made Deacon Emeritus by the elders of the church

Tom’s hobbies included hunting fishing and keeping his yard groomed until 90 years old.    He was proud to teach his son a love for the outdoors, teaching the art of both hunting and fishing.

Tom was a member of both national and state Wild Turkey Federations and a board member of the Bald Eagle Longbeards, member and board member of the Lloyd Wilson Chapter of Trout Unlimited and received the Limestone Leader Award for his work with the chapter.  He volunteered his time with Camp Cadet fishing event, Trout in The Classroom and with season trout stocking. Among his volunteer activities were assisting TU with trout fishing for residents of Susqueview Nursing Home residents, challenged students at local schools and anything that involved teaching others to fish.

Tom was a co-founder of Black Eagle Bowman Archery Club, a life member and secretary of the Bald Eagle Beagle Club. He was a member and officer of the Chapman Hunting Club for many years.

He  was assistant Scout leader of Troop 69 First Church of Christ, Lock Haven.  Also a life member of Lafayette Lodge 199 Masonic Order.

Tom was passionate about being on time for his appointments.  He always said if you set a time, be there on time.

He is survived  by his wife, Mary, son Gregory Thomas Lucas (wife Kathy Roush Lucas ) of Williamsport, grandson Joshua Lucas, granddaughter Kelly (Dan) Clark and great-grandson Grayson Clark of Helena, Montana, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services with full military honors for Thomas C. Lucas will be held Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 3:00 pm at the Lock Haven First Church of Christ, 330 North Vesper St., Lock Haven.  Family and friends will be received in the church 1:00 to 3:00 pm prior to the service.  Officiating will be Pastor Matthew Kinley. Interment will be in the Rest Haven Memorial Park at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Thomas’s name to the Lock Haven First Church of Christ, 330 North Vesper St., Lock Haven, PA 17745

Online thoughts and memories can be made at www.GedonFuneralHomes.com or the Gedon Funeral Homes Facebook Page.