Date of Death: February 5, 2020
Service Details
In keeping with his wishes, cremation has been conducted and visitation will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with memorial service beginning at 12:00 p.m. noon at Hohner Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Carr officiating. Private interment of cremains will be held in the spring.
Obituary Notice
Duane Donald Lucas, 85, of Three Rivers, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2020.
He was born to Donald and Matie (Smith) Lucas on June 7, 1934 at the Lucas farmhouse on Lucas Road in Fabius Township, Three Rivers.
He attended Pleasant Hill School as a child and was the last President of the board before consolidating with Three Rivers School system. A 1952 Three Rivers High School graduate, Duane liked to attend all Three Rivers home football and basketball games, and some wrestling matches.
On February 19, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Woodall. They always did everything together and you never saw one without the other.
Duane worked at Fairbanks Morse, Whitehead Tool & Die, Continental Can, and Pioneer Seed Corn; he retired as a fireman for GM Hydra-Matic. He also was a farmer for many years.
He served in the U.S. Army for two years, received an honorable discharge, and was a member of the American Legion Arthur E. Stears Post #223 in Constantine.
Duane spent 22 years as a rural fireman with the Lockport-Fabius-Park Fire Department, attended the Corey Church of the Nazarene and was proud to be a Golden Eagle at Three Rivers Aerie #2303. He enjoyed going to “Popcorn” at Corky’s with all the guys every Wednesday afternoon. He coached FOP baseball and Rocket Football for many years.
He and Betty enjoyed 18 winters in Apache Junction, Ariz., where he loved to metal detect for treasures. One of his favorite things to do at his home in Michigan was mow the lawn.
Remaining to cherish Duane’s memory are his wife, Betty; son, Jeff (Kim) Lucas; daughter, Rhonda (Tim) Bishop; grandchildren, Josh (Deanna) Lucas, Ryan (Ariel) Lucas, Lucas (Jessica) Bishop and Lacie (Adam) Bishop-Deer; 15 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Richard Schug; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Willard Lucas; sisters, Elna Schug, Mary VanHorn, Katheryn Terrill and Donna Pashby-Truckenmiller.
Additional Information
Memorials may be directed to Corey Church of the Nazarene Building Fund or to the Fabius Park Fire Department. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
When your condolences are submitted they will not display until approved by the Hohner staff for appropriateness out of respect for their memory. They should appear within 24 hours or less. Thank you for your understanding
Dear Betty, Jeff and Rhonda:
So sad to hear about Duane passing. Some of best memories I have are of times spent with all of you camping, etc. We also lost my Uncle Dale a couple months back and the fun we all had together makes me smile to this day.
I bet Uncle Dale and Uncle Duane are together in heaven and both are keeping “Bob Oliver” and “Keg Ass Junior” in line!
Betty, Jeff and Rhonda and family
My father Maurice Ashby sends his deepest condolences. He always talked about Betty and Duane and kids. When I talked to dad last night I told him about Duane’s passing it broke his heart. He doesn’t get around to much anymore but he wanted me to let you know that he loves you all and is so sorry. I am as well sadden. He will always cherish the memories he has of your family.
Maurice Ashby and Deb Ashby Rodriguez
Betty and Family. So sorry to learn about Duane. Such a wonderful man who loved his family dearly. He will be missed but I know he and Joe and so many others are having a great time in Heaven. I know the Lord and His angels will be having an amazing time and laughter will ring out loud and clear. I want to leave you with the words of Dr. Seuss, “Death ends a life;Not a relationship.”
Fondly
Waneta Truckey
Dear Ms Betty, Rhonda, Jeff & Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
I will always remember his smile.
When I first started at McDonalds,
I Saved my ice cream “mistakes!” for him!
Ms Betty would laugh & Mr Duane would give one of those big smiles!
Prayers & hugs,
David & Denise Miller & Family
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Hang on to all those fond memories you had together..
So sorry for the loss. He was a role model for me growing up and I have missed him dearly. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Betty and Family,
So many great memories – from hearing about my mom and him attending the same school Pleasant Hill, to time at Corey Lake by my grandparents house – to then sitting and enjoying watching the Corey Softball team.
God Bless,
So sorry for your loss. He was a great family man and will be missed by many.
Betty, please accept our most sincere condolences. Duane was a lot of fun and he will be missed by anyone who knew him.
Dear Betty and Family Duane will be greatly missed Especially at Wednesday popcorn
He always had a great sense of humor and a smile for everyone. All the boys at popcorn will reminisce about Duane often. You are in our Prayers If you need anything don’t hesitate to ask God Bless you and your family
Corky And Dee Meyer
You won’t find a more loyal Wildcat fan on the planet than Mr. Lucas. He, along with his wonderful wife Betty, were avid followers of not only our sports programs, but could regular been seen at countless other district activities and events throughout the years. During my nine years as principal at TRHS, no one was more supportive of our high school and school district than Duane and Betty Lucas. When I think of them during that time, I also think of their grandson, Ryan, and his four years of domination in wrestling and winning the individual state championship. What pride and joy he must have brought to his grandparents, who I’m sure never missed one of his many pins.
I consider it a privilege to know Mr. Lucas. His roots run long and deep in our community, and his impact has been profound. He will be sorely missed by all of us so fortunate to know him.
Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Lucas family. May God embrace you during this time of loss.
Dear Ma Lucas, Jeff, Kim and all family. We are so sorry for your precious loss of “Mister”. We have so many fond memories and thankful for the blessing of making them together. Our deepest sympathies, love and prayers. Allen and Kim Lammott and family.
Our condolences from Teri and I, and also from the entire Long Lake Community. A good friend and neighbor to all.
Betty, Rhonda, Jeff and family, Sue and I send our deepest sympathy to all of you. When I first walked into the fire station as a newbie, Duane said “Hi, cuz”. That made me feel welcome.
Betty and Family, God has received another angel, all out thoughts and prayers are with you all. How lucky we all were to have known such a loving and careing person.
Betty,so sorry to hear about Duane,have so many fon memories of both of you.we had some great times together.its been. I have lived in Groton ct since I retired from the navy in 1975.god bless you Betty and may he give you his perfect peace.
Such a nice man. Always enjoyed seeing him at the dealership with Betty. Great conversation and laughter always.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Kimberly Vetter-French and the team at Vetter-McGill Chevrolet.
Jeff and Kim
So sorry to hear about your dad, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Betty and Family,
Such sadness to hear the passing of such a great and loving man. Such fond memories of Duane sitting at many wrestling tournaments and family gatherings. He will definitely be missed.
Condolences and Hugs! Miss you all!!
Rex Nevins
So sorry to hear this, he was such a great guy, praying for all of you 😣
Betty and family our deepest sympathy goes out to you. He’ll be missed at our Sunday morning breakfast. We’ve had some good times over the years. Memories keep him with you.