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Russell O. Lucas, 70, of Pleasant Gap, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Sept. 18, 2024.
Russell was born on July 8, 1954 in Bellefonte, Pa., to the late Jack L. Lucas and the late Jennie M. (Lair) Lucas. He was the oldest of five children.
Russell was raised in Milesburg and was a 1972 graduate of Bald Eagle Area High School. He attended Williamsport Area Community College.
He went to work at Cerro Metal Products in Bellefonte in 1973.
In 1974, he enlisted in the United States Army in their 9th Infantry Signal Corp. Though he never served out of the USA, he was stationed at Fort Jackson, S.C., Fort Gordon, Ga., and Fort Lewis, Wash. He was honorably discharged with the rank of E-5.
He returned home in 1978 and joined the Reserves in Bellefonte, serving another two years, retiring as an E-6.
He returned to work at Cerro Metal, later known as Bolton Metal, working a total of 35 years until they closed the plant. He then trained at CPI and received his CDL. He later worked for Cata Bus Service, drove tri-axles for Maxwell Trucking and Fox Hollow Trucking and did deliveries for Lowes.
After retiring, he worked part-time for Walmart for the past three years.
On July 5, 1975, he married the former Deborah A. Gardner, of Pleasant Gap, who survives at home after sharing 49 years together.
Also surviving is a son, Jason R. Lucas, and his wife Erin, of Snow Shoe; and a daughter, Molly M. Beck, and her husband, Eric, of Howard. He is also survived by his 10 grandchildren whom he adored immensely, Cyerra Lucas (Kyle Poorman), of Tyrone, Tyler Litz, of Howard, Austin Beck (Callie Elliott and her son, Jaxon), of Lewistown, Chenoah Barnes (Brent Hibbler), of Jersey Shore, Zachary Fults and his wife Sierra, of Smullton, Meckenzie Decker (Allanah Fleck), of Bellefonte, Hannah Beck, of Howard, Elijah Lucas, of Snow Shoe, Gabriella Lucas, of Snow Shoe, and Conner Beck, of Howard.
Russell is also survived by his siblings, John L. Lucas, of Bellefonte, David A. Lucas (and wife Kenna), of Rebersburg, Kathleen M. Wheeler, of Pine Grove Mills, and Sarah J. Spicer, of Bellefonte; along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents, grandparents and a brother-in-law, Todd Wheeler.
Russ was a big sports fan. He loved the Steelers, PSU, the Mets and Dale Earnhardt. He coached his son's Little League team in Walker Township and was an assistant coach for his teener league team in Bellefonte.
Russ loved going on bi-yearly vacations to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. He was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church of Bellefonte and attended the United Methodist Church in Pleasant Gap. He was also a member of the American Legion in Pleasant Gap.
A memorial service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Bellefonte on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, with a receiving line from 5:30-6 p.m. A service will be held from 6-7 p.m., with Rev. Alex Dyakiw, deacon, officiating, and a reception following in the parrish hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Corolla Wild Horse Fund, 1130E Corolla Village Road, Corolla, NC 27927, or Network for Endangered Sea Turtles (NEST), PO Box 1073, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949.