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CAPRON – Calvin Richard Lucas, known to many as “Luke” departed his life on Jan. 6, 2023. He was born on Feb. 3, 1933 to Alvin Eugene Lucas and Madeline Rollins Lucas of Monessen Pennsylvania.

Calvin attended and in 1952 graduated from Monessen High School in Monessen, Pennsylvania where he was a star football player and athlete. Luke met the love of his life, Vivian Claud in 1957 and they married in 1958. He was the love of her life, her best friend and as everyone knew, her main squeeze. They were truly blessed with two daughters, the Rev. Vicki Lucas Black and Laurel “Shelly” Lucas Wood.

Luke enlisted in the United States Naval training center in Bainbridge, Maryland. That same year he served aboard the USS Sierra during the Korean War. During the 1960’s he served aboard the USS Furse DDR 882, the USS Beale DD471 during which time the ship participated in a world cruise in the Cuban missile crisis. The USS Stormes DD780 as senior ship serviceman. In the 1970’s he served in the U.S. Navy Commissary as the floor supervisor chief petty officer. After that he served aboard the USS Raleigh LPD1 as chief serviceman in the supply department, he then retired in April of 1973.

After his retirement, he worked at Best Products and later relocated to Capron, Virginia where he worked and retired at Southampton Correctional Facility. Luke was a member of Pleasant Plain Baptist Church in Drewryville, where he served on the trustee board and the cemetery committee. He was a member of the American Legion in Franklin and was also affiliated with the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia.

He was a Pittsburgh Steeler fan like no other and everyone knew not to challenge him about his team. He was also the epitome of a God-fearing Christian man and loved his family unconditionally. He liked to keep busy and always had a project.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; his wife, Vivian Claud Lucas; daughter, the Rev. Vicki Lucas Black; two brothers, Alvin Lucas Jr., William Lucas; two sisters, Agnes Lucas Wilcox and Madeline Lucas McCollum. Honoring his memory is his daughter, Laurel “Shelly” Lucas Wood; grandchildren, Gina Black, Martin Black, Rico, Lucas and Trey Wood; one great-granddaughter, Rayna Rockliffe; a special son, Clifton Black; one special niece, Sharon Lucas Hopkins and three special nephews, William Lucas, Junior Paul, Calvin, Lucas and John “Rusty” Young with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

On Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, a public viewing will be held at the funeral home from 3 – 7 p.m. A celebration honoring Mr. Lucas’ life will be held at noon on Friday, Jan. 13 at Move of God Ministries, 221 South Main Street, Franklin, with the Rev. Louis Collins delivering the eulogy; Apostle Tyrone Hart is the pastor. The committal and benediction will be held in Pleasant Plain Church Cemetery, the date and time will be announced later. Masks are required at all services. Service provided by the professional and caring staff of Wm. M. Johnson & Sons Funeral Home Inc., 224 South Main Street in Franklin. Please share your condolences with the family at wmjohnsonandsons.com.