Johnny D. Lucas

William John (Johnny) D. Lucas passed from this world today, May 26, 2021, while an old Western (one he had probably watched a hundred times) played on his tv. John was born with a heart abnormality, and after 84 years of fighting, his heart could not fight any longer.

John was born on March 18, 1937, in Russell County, Virginia to the late Troy and Lakie Jane Gibson Lucas. John was the last surviving child, having been preceded in death by his sisters Christine (Teenie), Dovie, Peggy, and Zelma, as well as his brothers, Clyde and Jarvie (Squeaky). In addition to his wife Patsy, of 55 years, he is survived by his daughter Kalli, his son Jason, his adoring daughters-in-law Tracie and Rachel, and his grandson Wyatt. He leaves behind his very special niece Ann Crites, who was raised as a sister and his lifelong friend Eddie Gibson. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and several dear friends.

Johnny was a hardworking man, having started as a miner at the age of 12. Over the years he was a steel worker, truck driver, and a cook at Campbell's Soup in Napoleon, Ohio. He officially retired at the age of 62 but continued to work well into his 70s. He even continued to work after recovering from Stage 4 breast cancer. It was very important for him to be a good provider.

John was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fish, and forage in the woods gathering ginseng, roots, and morel mushrooms. He raised a large garden and variety of animals over the years, including beagles, rabbits, potbelly pigs, and guineas. There was always a new critter being brought home, even if that meant hauling goats in the back seat of Patsy's car.

Johnny didn't know a stranger and could run into someone he knew hundreds of miles from home. He was always ready to help people and has often taken food from his freezer to give to someone in need. He took in stray dogs, cats, and offered to raise several children.

John was a storyteller and loved to laugh and cut up with his family and friends. He loved his family, and always had a dog that he was doting on. He was an ornery handful.

John Lucas was stubborn as the day was long, and hardheaded as a mule. At the end he was very vocal about how things were going to go, and how he was going to go. He wanted to be at home, with Patsy.

John used to say he wanted to be buried in a glass-top coffin in the side of the hill at his house; so he could keep an eye on Patsy. He has since decided to be cremated, and at his request there will be no formal funeral service. Instead of gathering to mourn, the family would like for you all to laugh at a memory, drink a toast, or eat some fried catfish and oysters in Johnny's memory.