Gilbert W. Lucas US Marine Veteran

Gilbert Wiley Lucas passed from labor to rest on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at the age of 79. Gilbert transitioned peacefully at home. Gilbert was the 6th of eight children born to Roy Lee Lucas and Mable Katherine Faulkwell-Lucas in Wichita, KS. on July 16, 1945.

In November of 1965 at the ripe old age of 20, Gilbert enlisted in the United States Marine Corps., serving two tours in Vietnam during the war. His training included Map & Aerial Photo Reading, Non Commissioned Officer, where he was responsible for the welfare, morale, discipline, and efficiency of Marines under his command, and Operations Against Guerrilla Units. He also trained as a Wireman and was promoted to Chief Wireman. October 31, 1969 Gilbert exceeded the required standards of duty performance and personal conduct, completed two tours of duty, rose to rank of Sergeant, and received an honorable discharge. He also received: *National Defense Service Medal *Rifle Expert Badge *Vietnam Service Medal w/3* *Good Conduct Medal *Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device (60-) *Presidential Unit Citation.

After being honorably discharged from the military, he worked 10 years at KAKE TV as a Camera man. From there he worked at Beech Aircraft 33 years as a sheet metal assembler. He was very particular about his work and took great pride in it, BUT he would not let you rush him. He took his time! His strong work ethic was evident as he NEVER took sick leave or vacation until the last two years when he got ill.

Gilbert became a member of Wabash Seventh Day Adventist Church and a Jr. Deacon when he was only 7 years old! He later served as a deacon at Grove Heights Seventh Day Adventist Church. In addition, he served in the audio/visual ministry which he really loved. Gilbert was a member of New Beginnings SDA until he passed away.

Gilbert was a philanthropist, always generous and willing to give of his time and finances whenever he could.

Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Mable Lucas; his sister Louise Lucas, and his brothers Ralph Lucas, and Bill Lucas.

He is survived by his daughter, Shannon L. Lucas; sons, Shawn L. Lucas, Kevin D. Lucas; sisters Nancy (Omer) Finney, Sr., Velma Williams; Betty Lou Lucas , and brother Albert (Mary) Lucas; grandchildren Leon Norford, Deon Norford, Byran Lucas, Shantika M. Robinson, Shantiniece R. Davis; great-grandchildren Amaya L. Norford, Jumaya A. Moore, Giliya T. Scott, Georeanna Smith, Dominique A English Jr, Elias Lucas, Elise Norford, and Jenaiah Lucas, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will miss him dearly.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gilbert W. Lucas US Marine Veteran, please visit our floral store.