" Our beloved father, Doug Lucas, passed away peacefully at home after a brief but mighty battle with cancer. He was fiercely loyal, delightfully stubborn, and the most avid cheerleader any of us could ask for—which made him perfect.

Doug adored his beautiful wife of 63 and a half years, Darlene. Together, they raised four children—Doug (Pam), Kris (Kevin), Beth (Chris), and Mike (Victoria)—and built a legacy that now includes 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, (listed below).

The love story began at a junior high school basketball game. Dad was leading the pep band, and Mom was a cheerleader—for the opposing team. We’re not entirely sure, but we think that first encounter might’ve inspired Mom’s decision to become a majorette in the marching band. From there, a lifetime of laughter, music, and unwavering loyalty took root and flourished.

Dad loved music—all music. He played trombone in every kind of band and venue he could find. He and his twin brother, Don, were co-drum majors of their high school marching band. Later, he picked up the guitar, strumming joyfully for years, and recently passed his beloved guitar on to his son-in-law Chris, who often played it for him.

Doug and his brothers, Don and L.C., were full of mischief and imagination. As young boys, they were passionate readers who would “play opossum” in bed until it was safe to turn on flashlights and read under the covers long past bedtime. He kept that love of books all his life, and passed it on. Our home was filled with hundreds of books, and he always had a soft spot for Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.

The Lucas boys also shared a love of speed—and danger. One time, they built a go-kart ramp just so they could jump through a ring of fire. (Don’t worry, they had a garden hose ready. Safety first.) That spirit of adventure stuck with Dad. Once the kids were grown, he and Mom often went out for long drives just for the joy of it.

And oh, how he loved food. Granny Lucas could make anything taste great. The first word Dad learned to spell was “C-H-O-C-O-L-A-T-E P-I-E,” thanks to his mother’s habit of spelling out desserts during card games with the family. Chocolate and banana pudding were his absolute favorites, but his ideal meal was simple and southern: fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and pie. Later in life, he became our unofficial taste-tester. For a brief (and regrettable) time, he rated our cooking. That ended when he gave Beth’s dinner a “C” grade. She refused to cook for him for over four years. Lesson learned.

Dad proudly served in the United States Army, entering as a Private and retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He earned many commendations, awards, and promotions. He often said his service was a privilege and he was honored to have served.

In retirement, Dad and his granddaughter Taylor became inseparable. They built zoos, cities, and farms out of blocks on the living room floor, read through entire dog breed encyclopedias (naming each one based on looks and personality), then started all over again. He drove her to violin and horseback riding lessons and always had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and chips waiting for her afterward. (In fairness, that’s one of the few things he ever made. His culinary repertoire also included peanut butter toast, oatmeal, fried eggs, and, on a good day, hard-boiled eggs—with mixed results.)

He had a soft spot for kids, especially when it came to making sure they had warm boots, coats, gloves, and hats in the winter. Quietly and without recognition, he paid off overdue school lunch accounts for children in need. And although Mom limited his pet ownership, Dad had a big heart for animals. He especially loved visiting Taylor’s dog Jenny and her cats—and we’re convinced he would’ve had a house full of dogs if he’d had the chance.

As per his request, the family will be hosting a picnic with fried chicken and great music. We’ll be sharing the details among friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Doug’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Spotsylvania County Public Schools Food & Nutrition unpaid lunch fund. "