Celebrating the life of
Michael A. Lucas
November 10, 1934 - December 10, 2010
Savannah- Dr. Michael Arthur Lucas passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack Friday, December 10, 2010. He lived a life of service and ministry, touched and helped countless family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Mike was born November 10, 1934 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He attended Oklahoma State University, where he received his undergraduate degree and doctorate of veterinary medicine, and where he met his wife, Wanda. He served in the United States Army from 1954-1957. In 1985, after practicing veterinary medicine for many years throughout the Mid-West, he and Wanda relocated from Staples, Minnesota to Savannah.
Mike, a long-time resident of Savannah, was well known for his contributions to the community and for his generosity. He briefly taught science and math at St. Vincent's Academy. Beginning in 1991, he and Wanda began fostering children from around the county. Through the years, they fostered approximately 25 children. In 1994, at age 60, he and Wanda decided to adopt two of the children they were fostering. In 1998, they again adopted three additional foster children, raising the total of adopted children to 7. Mike and Wanda had two additional biological children.
Mike is survived by his wife of 51 years, Wanda Parrish Lucas, of Savannah, 9 children and their partners: David Lucas Loni of Zimmerman, Minnesota, Janie Lucas James Gazafy of Savannah, Rebecca Lentz Kenneth of Savannah, Susan Lucas Linda Stracener of Bullhead City, Arizona, Kimberly Lucas Bryan Mercier of Dahlonega, Georgia, Alexander Lucas of Savannah, Anthony Lucas of Athens, Georgia, William Lucas of Savannah, Phillip Lucas of Savannah; countless foster children; and 5 grandchildren: Ryan Lucas, John Solokis, Catherine Lentz, Katherine Zarada, and Emily Stracener.
A Memorial Service and reception will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Skidaway Island.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Peter's Episcopal Church of Skidaway Island, 3 West Ridge Rd., Savannah, GA 31411 or St. Francis of the Islands Episcopal Church, Wilmington Island, 590 Walthour Rd., Savannah, GA 31410.
Please sign our guest book on line at www.foxandweeks.com
Wanda, So sad to read of your loss in the Staples World. We are given many precious gifts as we go through life; you and Mike were gifts to me.
- Joy Lester Reid, St. Cloud, MN
I am so very sorry Wanda. This is so very difficult. You have my heartfelt sympathy. __ Anne Thornberry
- Anne Thornberry, Savannah, GA
Dear Dave, Loni, and Ryan, You have been in our thoughts during this difficult time. We are sending our condolences to each of you. Your Spectrum Family,
- Spectrum High School, Elk River, MN
Janie, My thoughts are with you today. Smile at the memories, laugh at the jokes he would tell, and celebrate the life of the man. What will be, will be. Take care.
- Gina Hutchens, Raleigh, NC
Wanda and kids, As your sister and brother-in-law, we love you so much and hurt with you in the loss of Mike. However, we thank God that we were able to fellowship over dinner the night before. It is, and always has been, a wonderful time we cherish whenever we can catch up on each others lives and happenings! Oh, how Mike and you loved to talk about your wonderful kids and grandkids. Yes, we have both been blessed so much and we know our memories of our times together will continue be a comfort in the days ahead. We love you all so much! Love, Ron and Joyce
- Ron and Joyce Gregory, Americus, GA
Dear Dave, Loni, & Ryan, I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I'm sure this is a very difficult time. My hope and prayer is that each of you will cherish all the great memories of your dad grandfather. May each of you find comfort in your relationship with Jesus and knowing that your dad grandfather lived a life of purpose and is now enjoying His presence beyond what we could ever imagine!
- Rick Peterson, Elk River, MN
Dear Dave, Loni, and Ryan, I am so sorry to hear about your father's death, Dave. My heart goes out to you,Loni, and Ryan as well. These are difficult, shocking days, I am sure. My prayer for all three of you is that you sense the Lord's comfort and presence as you walk through the days ahead. As I read about your father's life, I was impressed that he had accomplished much. How neat that he and his wife took in foster children. I was especially encouraged that it sounded like they started when they were the age of 60. Many would say they were 'too old' at that age; I am sure many are glad they did not have this attitude. May you sense many hugs from the Lord. Sincerely, Tim and Linda
- Linda Vaccari, Zimmerman, MN
My heart aches for all of you. I'm so grateful to have known Mike, an inspirational servant.
- Charlotte Carpenter, Savannah, GA
My father Jim Ackerson and I are saddened to learn of your loss. Dr. Lucas left his mark in the Staples Motley area. May the peace of God comfort all of you.
- Julie Ackerson Mertens, Motley, MN
The Erola-Rebellato Family is very saddened by your loss. Dr. Lucas was a kind and caring person. We had the priviledge of getting to know the Lucas family through Kim and Philip, friends of our children. He will be greatly missed but not forgotten.
- Kelly Erola, Savannah, GA
Mike, you have been a brother to me and I so enjoyed being a part of your family, and in the circle of your love. Renie
- renie muhvich, , GA
Mike and Wanda have left an indelible stamp on us as to what genuine Christians do with their time in this place. You both will be with us forever.
- Malcolm & Barbara Strickler, The Villages, FL
Mike was a blessing to all who knew him. We all were fortuante to have him in our lives and wish prayers and comfort to the entire family during this difficult time.
- Kim Tutan, Savannah, GA
We are sorry for your lost.
- Ton & Linda Solokis, Charleston, SC
Louise joins me in extending to you, Wanda, our sincere condolences and love. +Harry
- Bishop Harry W Shipps, Savannah, GA
Wanda, So sad to read of your loss in the Staples World. We are given many precious gifts as we go through life; you and Mike were gifts to me.
- Joy Lester Reid, St. Cloud, MN
I am so very sorry Wanda. This is so very difficult. You have my heartfelt sympathy. __ Anne Thornberry
- Anne Thornberry, Savannah, GA
Dear Dave, Loni, and Ryan, You have been in our thoughts during this difficult time. We are sending our condolences to each of you. Your Spectrum Family,
- Spectrum High School, Elk River, MN
Janie, My thoughts are with you today. Smile at the memories, laugh at the jokes he would tell, and celebrate the life of the man. What will be, will be. Take care.
- Gina Hutchens, Raleigh, NC
Wanda and kids, As your sister and brother-in-law, we love you so much and hurt with you in the loss of Mike. However, we thank God that we were able to fellowship over dinner the night before. It is, and always has been, a wonderful time we cherish whenever we can catch up on each others lives and happenings! Oh, how Mike and you loved to talk about your wonderful kids and grandkids. Yes, we have both been blessed so much and we know our memories of our times together will continue be a comfort in the days ahead. We love you all so much! Love, Ron and Joyce
- Ron and Joyce Gregory, Americus, GA
Dear Dave, Loni, & Ryan, I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I'm sure this is a very difficult time. My hope and prayer is that each of you will cherish all the great memories of your dad grandfather. May each of you find comfort in your relationship with Jesus and knowing that your dad grandfather lived a life of purpose and is now enjoying His presence beyond what we could ever imagine!
- Rick Peterson, Elk River, MN
Dear Dave, Loni, and Ryan, I am so sorry to hear about your father's death, Dave. My heart goes out to you,Loni, and Ryan as well. These are difficult, shocking days, I am sure. My prayer for all three of you is that you sense the Lord's comfort and presence as you walk through the days ahead. As I read about your father's life, I was impressed that he had accomplished much. How neat that he and his wife took in foster children. I was especially encouraged that it sounded like they started when they were the age of 60. Many would say they were 'too old' at that age; I am sure many are glad they did not have this attitude. May you sense many hugs from the Lord. Sincerely, Tim and Linda
- Linda Vaccari, Zimmerman, MN
My heart aches for all of you. I'm so grateful to have known Mike, an inspirational servant.
- Charlotte Carpenter, Savannah, GA
My father Jim Ackerson and I are saddened to learn of your loss. Dr. Lucas left his mark in the Staples Motley area. May the peace of God comfort all of you.
- Julie Ackerson Mertens, Motley, MN
The Erola-Rebellato Family is very saddened by your loss. Dr. Lucas was a kind and caring person. We had the priviledge of getting to know the Lucas family through Kim and Philip, friends of our children. He will be greatly missed but not forgotten.
- Kelly Erola, Savannah, GA
Mike, you have been a brother to me and I so enjoyed being a part of your family, and in the circle of your love. Renie
- renie muhvich, , GA
Mike and Wanda have left an indelible stamp on us as to what genuine Christians do with their time in this place. You both will be with us forever.
- Malcolm & Barbara Strickler, The Villages, FL
Mike was a blessing to all who knew him. We all were fortuante to have him in our lives and wish prayers and comfort to the entire family during this difficult time.
- Kim Tutan, Savannah, GA
We are sorry for your lost.
- Ton & Linda Solokis, Charleston, SC
Louise joins me in extending to you, Wanda, our sincere condolences and love. +Harry
- Bishop Harry W Shipps, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
