William Lucas

William Robert “Bill” Lucas, 90, of Beaumont, died Sunday, March 4, 2018, after a short illness. He was born on January 9, 1928, in Philadelphia, PA. to Julia Rollins Lucas and William P. Lucas. He spent all of his childhood southwest Philadelphia, graduating from John Bartram High School. Bill attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology, on a full scholarship, graduating in 1951 with a Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering and in 1952 with a Masters of Science in Chemical Engineering. Both degrees were with Highest Honors. He also served in the United States Army from 1945-47.

Bill met Mary Turner while working at Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO). The two were married in 1956, and they were married for fifty-seven years. Over the course of his career, Bill worked for several chemical companies, building refineries and chemical plants all over the world. His work also brought the family from New Jersey, to Houston, to Ohio, to Pennsylvania, and eventually to Beaumont, where he retired from Mobil Research and Development in 1987.

In retirement, Bill formed the Lucas Company, which manages commercial property in Beaumont. He was an avid Bridge player and became a Life Master. As a member of Tolerance Lodge #1165 in Beaumont, he was recently recognized for over 50 years as a Master Mason. He was also a member of the El Mina Shriners and participated in many activities. Bill and Mary spent many years traveling the world as well, going as far as the Arctic Circle, Europe, Asia, Australia, and going through the Panama Canal.  

Bill was a loving husband to Mary E. Lucas; father to Steven R. Lucas and his wife, Robin, of Beaumont; Jeffrey C. Lucas of Spring; and Karen E. Domingue and her husband, Mark, of Beaumont; grandfather to William D. Lucas and his wife, Amanda, of Houston, and Andrew R. Lucas and his wife, Alyssa, of Port Neches.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary, his parents, and his brothers, John D. Lucas and Thomas E. Lucas.

The family would like to thank Dr. Bertron Brown, Dr. Mark Toups, the teams at Baptist Hospital, Heart of Texas Hospice, and the staff at Calder Woods Retirement Center for their excellent care.

A gathering of Mr. Lucas’ family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., with both his memorial service and Masonic service to follow at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 9, 2018, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to El Mina Shrine, 1616 Tremont Street Galveston, Texas 77550-4504 or Wesley United Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713.