Gary A. Lucas

WASHINGTON?Gary A. Lucas, 73, Washington, passed away at his home early on Sunday, December 16, 2012. Gary was born on May 20, 1939 in Washington to Guy and Marguerite Bowman Lucas. He married Elaine Essig in Lacon on November 11, 1978. Among those surviving are his wife, Elaine; their children, Debbie Lucas, Geoff (Sherrie) Lucas, Mark (Malissa) Helmuth, Mike (Samantha) Lucas and Stephen (Julie) Helmuth, all of Washington; one sister, Delores "Dee" Fletcher of Oceanside, California and eight grandchildren. Family gave Gary his greatest joy like spending time with the grandkids by the pool, with his horses, golf carts and ATV?s on the farm and especially his time with his best friend and wife of 34 years, Elaine. Gary was the owner of Lucas Construction for the past 20 years. He also was a union electrician for more than 30 years and was a member of IBEW Local #34. He was the recipient of the Washington Good Neighbor award in 2008 and also the Washington Chamber of Commerce Beautification Award for his efforts in preserving and restoring parts of the historical square of Washington in 2008 and 2012. He was instrumental in the restoration of many properties located on the square and was known to see that the work would be done properly. Gary was a life long resident of Washington and was a graduate of Washington Community High School in the class of 1957 where he played football and was in the band. After high school Gary then attended Carthage College on a football scholarship. Over the years Gary had donated his time and talents to the City of Washington, St. Mark?s Lutheran Church and the Washington Historical Society in various projects. Gary also was a member of Taylor Lodge#98 AF&AM and Mohammed Shrine where he played bass violin and sousaphone in the marching band and jazz band. Gary truly loved Washington and was proud to call it home. In his spare time he enjoyed reading and the fellowship of his many friends over coffee at Hardee?s. He was a member of St. Mark?s Lutheran Church where services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday with Pastor John Bates and Pastor Dick Hanson officiating. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery in Washington. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Mason-White Funeral Home and one hour prior to services on Thursday at the church. Memorials for Gary may be directed to either St. Mark?s Lutheran Church or Washington Historical Society.