Thomas (Tom) Bedford Lucas Jr.
Published 4:39 pm Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Thomas (Tom) Bedford Lucas, Jr., of Groves, Texas died on June 29, 2017 after a long and full life of service to his church, his Nation, and his family. Tom was born on August 6, 1919, in Lake Providence, Louisiana. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jeanne, to whom he was married for 60 years. In her final years, Jeanne was beset by illness. Throughout her illness, Tom’s entire family was sustained and inspired by his courage and love for her. His love, loyalty, and dedication never failed over the long course of her illness.
He is survived by his brother, Coleman Lucas, of Santa Maria, California; his daughter, Susan E. Murphy and son-in-law, Michael D. Murphy, of McLean, Virginia; and his sons Thomas B. Lucas, III of Livingston, Texas and Les Coleman Lucas of Groves, Texas, as well as six grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. His entire family will miss him deeply, as will his host of friends. They are comforted by the certain knowledge that he will spend eternity with Jeanne in the arms of a loving God.
Tom Lucas was a dedicated churchman, serving as Senior Warden of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Port Arthur, Texas and in a host of other leadership positions within his church. In honor of his 95th birthday, Tom could think of nothing that would please him more than a contribution to his second home, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. In accordance with Tom’s wishes, a new communion chalice was presented, so the entire congregation could share Tom’s joy. Tom was a very active leader in the Boy Scouts of America and his local Lions Club. Until the very end of his life, Tom’s greatest joys were attending services at Holy Trinity and being with his family. He was faithful to his church and family until the end of his days.
Tom also served his Nation in time of war. As a radio and radar technician in the United States Navy, Tom served aboard the USS Zeilin while in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was awarded the Victory ribbon for the Asiatic Pacific American Theater of war. A flag honoring his honorable and faithful service will be presented on behalf of a grateful Nation by one of his grandchildren, Matthew Lucas Murphy, Captain, United States Marine Corps.
Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Tom returned to complete his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering at Louisiana State University. After graduation, Tom began his career at Gulf Oil Corporation in Port Arthur, where he worked until his retirement from Gulf in 1983 after 36 years of service.
A visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Port Neches, Texas followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Funeral arrangements are being directed by Levingston Funeral Home, Groves, Texas. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be sent to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, the Port Arthur Founders Lions Club Project Fund, or the charity of one’s choosing.