Richard A. Lucas

Richard Allen Lucas, of Villa Grove, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at the age of 78.

He was born to Delilah Ruth (McCoy) and James Spurgeon Lucas on January 16, 1947 in Louisville, Kentucky. Richard married Sonna Lou on November 19, 1994 in Villa Grove. Together they shared thirty joyous and blissful years.

Richard is welcomed into heaven by the Lord, his parents Delilah and James Lucas, his brothers Edward, Ronald and James Lucas and his step-son Howard Kiser. Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Sonna; his sister, Janet (Lucas) Bailey; his son, Andreas Lucas; two step-sons, Nathan (Carrie) and Andrew Kiser; six grandchildren, Alexis, Lauren, Jairus, Gavin, Jonathan, and Piper Kiser; and his sisters-in-law, his brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

He graduated from DuPont Manual High School in Louisville, KY and later studied at Apostolic Bible College in St. Paul, MN and then continued his education at Christian Life College in Stockton, CA.

Richard had his ministers license, but then Uncle Sam decided to have Richard serve in Erlangen, Germany, for the United States Army as Staff Sergeant where he taught himself to speak fluent German, something he was truly proud of. Once he returned home, he completed his years of service for the US government at the United States Postal Service and then later retired from Amtrak of Champaign. Once he retired, he spent his free time as a bus driver for the Villa Grove community school district, a job that he found truly rewarding and fulfilling.

Richard and Sonna attended church at the Apostolic Center of Mattoon for many years and have enjoyed the community of the church and have made great lifelong friends.

He loved to spend time with his family and enjoyed being able to spoil his grandkids. Countless Sundays after church were spent with him for a meal or going on weekend adventures together. There was never a dull moment when he was surrounded by his loved ones. He told the funniest stories and jokes, and brightened up the room with his cheerfulness. He always took the time to show his unconditional support, admiration, and love for his family and friends, whenever and wherever he was. He will be deeply missed.

Services will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at the Apostolic Center of Mattoon. The visitation will be held from 10:30-12:00, funeral services will follow directly thereafter.

Donations in Richard’s honor can be made to the Villa Grove High School Softball Team or the Apostolic Center Mattoon Youth Choir.

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