Robert “Bob” Thomas Lucas was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania on February 4, 1944. He was raised in Norfolk, Virginia by his parents, Martha and Andrew Jacobson. He married his wife Lana, and together they had three children. Bob proudly served his country in the Army for over 20 years, stationed at various bases in the U.S. and in Germany. After leaving the military, Bob and his family lived in Huntsville, Alabama where Bob was employed at Intergraph Corporation for another 20 years before retiring.
Bob was one of a kind. He excelled at being a father. He loved to play with his kids, go on adventures, make them laugh, give advice, provide comfort and support when life got tough and celebrate any accomplishment, big or small. He created a fun family with so many happy memories and traditions that will live on for generations. He was known as The Director on family beach trips, coordinating synchronized swimming routines, sandcastle building contests, cooking contests and every kind of ball throwing game you could imagine. He peaked as a grandfather and loved his gang of grandchildren that he affectionately coined ‘The Magnificent Seven.’ He had a great sense of humor and was a spectacular storyteller. Bob loved a routine and making a list. He was well known for his personalized birthday cards that he took great pride in making for everyone in the family. He loved all sports, but mostly college football, and was a Crimson Tide fan for life. He enjoyed just an ordinary day piddling around the house and working in the yard. He loved taking care of his neighbors, especially his most favorite neighbor, Ms. Ellen. Bob checked in on Ms. Ellen every day, drove her to doctor’s appointments, helped her with house chores and yard work and spent many afternoons playing Skipbo and enjoying her homemade desserts. In his humble ordinary daily life, he was a servant and a helper and made people feel seen and known and could make you laugh at the joy of it all.
Words seem woefully inadequate to summarize the life of a man that made the world a better place for all of his 81 years here on earth. He was a family man, through and through, and was never happier than when his family was together participating in some kind of Lucas family shenanigans. He was a wonderful, kind human being who spent his life loving people and being loved in return. Heaven is surely rejoicing to receive him.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Lana; and his children, Andrea Riley (husband, Kevin), Melissa Strachan, and Matt Lucas (wife, Linda). He is also survived by his wonderful grandchildren, Zach Neiderland (wife, Jordan and son, Warner), Wes Neiderland (wife, Kaytlin), Tyler Strachan (soon to be wife, Alex), Tucker Lucas (wife, Alyssa), Drew Strachan, Alexander Lucas and Elizabeth Riley. He is also survived by his sister, Carol Ann and several cousins and extended family that he stayed close to through his life.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Pioneer Memory Care where Bob spent the last few months of his life. They treated Bob so well and cared for him with such patience and kindness. They also extended that care to his family and we are very grateful.
A celebration of Bob’s life is being planned and will be held in the spring.
