Frank Lucas

In so many ways, Frank Lucas was like a ray of sunshine bringing warmth wherever he went with his positive attitude no matter what circumstances surrounded him. Frank understood that one doesn’t need to be overbearing or boisterous in order to touch the lives of others, but his gentle and humble spirit certainly resonated with all who were within his reach. Frank enjoyed a great many things throughout his life, but nothing brought him more joy than bring surrounded by his loving family.

In 1939, our nation had been gripped by the Great Depression for nearly a decade and more than 10 million Americans were unemployed. There was also plenty of turmoil overseas as Germany invaded Poland on September 1st, leaving Great Britain and France to declare war two days later. It was also during this same year that in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Peter and Agnes (Weaver) Lucas were celebrating the birth of their son, Frank, on December 1st. Frank joined his sister Norma in the Lucas family, and he enjoyed a childhood going to the family’s lake cottage at Round Lake, IN and collecting Roy Rogers comic books. Frank’s parents were both chiropractors, and when he was 12, the family moved to a home on Maple Avenue in Kalamazoo, MI. Frank recalled fun times during his childhood that were spent fishing, camping and traveling with his family which established within him a love for the outdoors that would remain throughout his entire lifetime. He attended St. Augustine High School and became a graduate in 1956.

Of great significance during his younger years was Frank’s introduction to the young lady who would forever hold a special place in his heart. They met when Frank was just 12 and she was three years his senior. He name was Anne Barrett and she lived next door. The pair became fast friends and their relationship later blossomed into true love. They were married six years later on January 17, 1958. Frank worked hard to support his family that grew to include six children in just seven years. His earliest work experience was while still in high school through his job as a stock boy at Gilmores, and also during the summers as a golf caddie. Frank’s official career began in 1958 working as a lab technician at Hercules Powder and Chemical Company. He remained a dedicated employee for 41 years until he retired in 1999. Frank also enjoyed his part-time work at the One Stop and Jack Logan’s Party Store.

As important as Frank’s work was, he viewed his role as husband and father to be of the greatest importance. It was essential that he love and provide for his family, and that his children receive a Catholic education. Frank worked hard so that his children could attend St. Mary’s and then Hackett Catholic Central High School in Kalamazoo and although their family didn’t have a lot of extra money, they always knew that their needs would be met. The Lucas family enjoyed spending time together and experienced numerous fun times taking vacations at Covert State Park on Lake Michigan with the Barrett clan. His children describe their father as humble, gentle, and blessed with the gift of being able to identify others’ special gifts. In this way, Frank’s children always felt loved in their own unique way.

In addition to working and spending time with his family, there were a variety of other interests that Frank pursued when he had the time. He loved having fun and throughout the years, he enjoyed many great times with his cronies. Frank was an avid Watersmeet Nimrod fan and a fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He also enjoyed golf, bowling and poker, and loved spending time outdoors. Frank was a Third Degree Knights of Columbus member who liked to help out with their Bingo gatherings, and supported their fry fish dinners. Frank loved Jesus and going to Mass was very important, even while traveling. When his family grew to include seven grandsons and six granddaughters, he was thrilled with joy beyond measure. Even more recently, Frank was blessed with a great-grandson, Aden.

Changes were in store for Frank when Anne died in 1997. Although deeply saddened, Frank kept moving forward and began enjoying his loving 10-year friendship with Joan Cavanaugh in 1999. During that time he also enjoyed the “good times” with Joan’s family: Jeff, Andy, and Julie and their spouses and became a big hugger to the little ones.

Frank and Joan enjoyed traveling to Alaska, Mexico, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Hawaii, Canada and experiencing many new adventures together. Although he said he didn’t need one, Frank ended up completing his own type of “bucket list” with Joan. Together the couple shared in Frank’s love for nature in the Upper Peninsula, particularly Watersmeet. This was such a special place where Frank enjoyed fishing, bonfires, canoeing, 4-wheeling, and taking in the splendor of wildlife and sunsets. During the winter, Frank enjoyed snowmobiling, ice fishing in the shanty, going to the casino, and snowshoeing. Many new good friends and neighbors were made during his time in Watersmeet. The weekly poker game with the guys was “a must.” He spent many hours doing Sudoku and crosswords in front of the fireplace.

Words that come to mind when thinking of Frank Lucas are hard-working, fun-loving, good-natured, patient, and gentle. He always saw the glass as half full and continually brought sunshine everywhere he went. Frank was always thinking of others and was truly selfless – qualities that came so naturally to him. His kids, nieces and nephews truly loved hangin’ with him. With a life that spanned many decades, Frank was able to touch so many with his warm heart, but he leaves behind a legacy that will surely withstand the ebb and flow of the tide. Frank will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all those he leaves behind.

Frank Lucas died on September 22, 2009 at his home with his family at his side. Frank’s family includes his children, Elaine and Robert Rogers of Kalamazoo, Brian Lucas of Kalamazoo, Nancy and Paul Gerber of Galesburg, Karen and Kevin Moran of Mattawan, Amy and Dennis Van Dalen of Kalamazoo, Jane and Rob Robinson of Delton; 7 grandsons; Matthew, Nicholas, Lucas, Eric, Kyle, Jacob, Ethan, 6 granddaughters; Sarah and Zach, Jill, Charlotte, Emma, Kellie, Kate, 1 great grandson, Aden; 1 sister, Norma Lucas of Kalamazoo; 2 aunts, Mary Shreve and Helena Lucas both of Ft. Wayne, IN; and his loving girlfriend, Joan Cavanaugh and the Cavanaugh family. Frank was preceded in death by his wife Anne in 1997. Visit with Frank’s family and friends on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home – Kalamazoo, MI, 6080 Stadium Drive 375-2900 where a service to honor his life will be held at 4 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign his guestbook, share a memory or photo. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of SW MI, Hackett Catholic Central HS or Shriners Children’s Hospital.