Obituary of John V. Lucas

John V. Lucas, Jr, age 81, a retired Air Force Master Sergeant and Vietnam Veteran who was a Supervisor with American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T) for 21 years before retiring again in 1997, died of cancer on November 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Florida. John served in the Air Force for 20 years retiring in 1976, having completed tours of duty in Texas, Kansas, Japan, Maine, Germany, Vietnam, Northern Virginia, including the Pentagon. Much of his military career was devoted to administrative work. His highest military service honors received included the Joint Services Commendation Medal; two awards of the Air Force Commendation Medal; and the Air Force Achievement Medal. A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native, he moved with his parents to the Tidewater area of Newport News/Hampton, Virginia in 1946, where he resided until joining the Air Force in 1956. Upon completion of his military service career, John settled in Northern Virginia and began his employment with AT&T in 1976. Upon retirement, he and his beloved wife, Ann, subsequently relocated to Melbourne, Florida in 2003, where he resided at the time of his death. John was a 50-year Virginia Master Mason, a member of the Melbourne Lighthouse Assembly of God Church, Palm Bay American Legion 117, including several military retiree related and genealogical organizations. His hobby interests included genealogy, military history, and performing as a professional vocalist and local musician entertainer. John was most proud of the fact that late in life, he recorded four professionally produced musical CD’s. He took great pride in freely sharing them with relatives and many friends. Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Ann Lucas, West Melbourne, FL; two children by a previous marriage to Betty D. Draeger: son, Stephen S. Lucas and daughter, Sherri M. Lineweaver; sister, Lois K. Rooks; stepdaughter, Noelle Grutter; stepson, Reid Hutchins; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Predeceasing him were his parents, John Vincent Lucas, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Hyman Lucas, formerly of Hampton, VA; and a son, John Vincent Lucas, III. A Memorial service will be held at the Lighthouse Assembly of God Church, 26 Fee Street, Melbourne, FL at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2019, presided by Pastor Peter Inman. Military graveside honors and internment will be subsequently conducted at the Arlington National Cemetery (Columbarium), in Arlington, Virginia at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages any donations be made directly to Lighthouse Assembly of God on Fee Street in Melbourne, FL. Funeral preparations are being handled by Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care, 1001 S Hickory Street, Melbourne, FL., 724-2222. Condolences at afcfcare.com.