Laurance Warren €Œlukeâ€? Lucas

Laurance Warren Luke Lucas of Festus passed away Saturday January 22, 2011, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital after a brief bout with severe lung problems, at the age of 73 years, 2 months and 29 days. He was born on October 23, 1937, at Dallas, TX, son of the late John Forrest and Mary Evelyn (Mizrany) Lucas. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Elizabeth Lucas. In his early life, Luke lived in Texas and attended high school and college there, graduating from St. Edwards University in Austin. He later moved to Memphis, TN where he lived for 36 years, working as a regional sales representative. During that time he was employed by Bristol-Meyers Corp., Fisher Diagnostic, CALBIOCHEM and Forma Scientific. He later moved to Johnston Atoll in the South Pacific, where he worked as a civilian employee for the United States Military for two years before retiring to Festus in 2003. While living in Festus he was employed as a pharmacy technician by Dierbergs. Luke was an ardent bridge player, which he also taught in his spare time. He was responsible for starting two bridge clubs in the Festus area: the Jeffco Bridge Club and the Twin City Bridge Club. He also taught bridge to middle school students at Festus, the YMCA, and public libraries in the area and was known for his tenacity , devotion, and expertise in teaching bridge. He was a member of the American Contract Bridge League of Greater St. Louis. Shortly before his death, Luke reaffirmed his faith in Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior making this known to his family and friends; he placed his life in the hands of his Savior. His family, reassured by his profession of faith, but still left to mourn his passing include five children, Karen E. Tate of Wakarusa, IN, Mark S. Lucas of Arlington, TX, Charles H. Lucas of Bethlehem, GA, Mary Kathryn (Max) Hardy of Farmington, and Michael A. F. Lucas of Spruce Pine, NC. Also surviving are 22 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and a brother, John Thomas Lucas of Loganville, GA. In addition to his family he is also survived by many dear friends and neighbors. Friends may call on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at Cozean Memorial Chapel, 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Wednesday from 7 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10 a.m. with Pastor Jeff Brady and the Rev. Max Hardy officiating. Interment will take place at the Knights of Pyhtias Cemetery in Farmington. Memorials may be made to the Laurance W. Lucas Memorial Fund. View Tribute Video and share your condolences and memories at cozean.biz.