Don Eugene Lucas

Don Eugene Lucas was born on August 19, 1946, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania to parents Charles Russell Lucas and Priscilla (Weinbrenner) Lucas. He was one of seven children, including a fraternal twin brother. He was a trouble-making youth until he joined the United States Navy at the age of 17 with his mother’s consent. He honorably served his country for two tours in Vietnam as a part of the catapult team on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Intrepid. When he returned home from the Navy, he worked as an electrician on the Tidewater Docks Pier 122 South in Philadelphia. He moved to Florida in retirement and immediately became averse to any temperature below 65 degrees. He was a proud member of the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club, which became his extended family. His joy was driving cross country with his motorcycle brothers. Despite his intimidating presence, gruff voice, and sleeve tattoos, he was a softy at heart who loved to laugh. He was a strong advocate for veteran’s health and mental health and talked to every veteran he saw. He was an animal lover as evidenced by his five dogs and 30+ chickens. Less than a week before his untimely death he spent an amazing weekend with his family, for which they will be forever grateful. He is survived by his wife Theresa (Terry) and his children Stephen Charles Lucas and Kimberly Ann Beniquez, his “favorite daughter-in-law” Stephanie (Fulton), his “favorite son-in-law” Carlos Beniquez, grandchildren Ava Sophia Lucas and Charles James Lucas, sisters Donna Wise and Jean McGuire, and countless friends close enough to be considered family. We are sure he is currently having a laugh with brothers John (Jack), William (Bill), twin Dean (Joe) and sister Carolyn (Beulah) who preceded him in death. Viewing will be held Monday, December 11, 2023 from 11 am to 12 pm at Maloney Funeral Home, 2401 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, Florida 34232. Funeral will begin at 12:00 pm followed by interment with Military Honors at 1:30 at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 SR 72, Sarasota, Florida 34241. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to K9s For Warriors at 114 Camp K9 Road, Ponte Verde, Florida 32801 or Aftermath Ranch Rescue, 16251 SW Palomino Street, Indiantown, Florida 34956. (This rescue is where Luke's American Bulldog came from. Luke talked about Snoopy all the time and posted pictures of her continually. They were inseparable. And hug the ones close to you because they could be gone in an instant.

Don Eugene Lucas

August 19, 1946 - November 26, 2023