Melvin “Mel” M. Lucas Jr., 61, of Rolling Prairie, IN, died June 9, 2013, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.
He was born in Mousie, KY, on Jan. 27, 1952, to Melvin M. and Mary (Stuart) Lucas.
Mel worked as the director of operations at New York Blower. He served on the boards at IU Health LaPorte and Starke County hospitals. Mel served his country honorably, retiring from the Army after 22 years of service. He is a Persian Gulf War Veteran, having received the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medals and Army Achievement Medals.
On March 30, 1973, he married Rita Cormican, who survives.
Also surviving are his beloved sons, Bobby Martin (Sylvia) Lucas of Kempner, TX, and Tony (Lori Roe) Lucas of Leitchfield, KY; grandchildren, Devin Salyers, Brooklyn Campbell and A.J. Lucas; and brother, Richard Lucas of Kentucky.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jean Lucas.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 13, at the Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. Full military honors will be conducted by Ft. Knox, the National Guard, and the LaPorte Honor Guard during the service at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Association, 130 Red Coach Dr., Mishawaka, IN 46545, or the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.