J T Lucas

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Joyce Thea Lucas, JT, beloved father, grandfather, and friend to all the lives he touched, on Wednesday, August 10, 2022. He was 87 years of age, born in Runnels County on August 21, 1935. He graduated from Winters High School and married Ruby Kruse, on June 6, 1953.

JT had an exceedingly full life as a father, grandfather and committed employee in the gas industry. As a young man, he had dreams of working on rigs and this became a reality for him when he moved to New Mexico with his young family to drill one of the first pilot holes for uranium. He moved back to Greenwood, Texas after just a few years in New Mexico and leased some land to farm. He continued to acquire more parcels and enjoyed working the land. During this time, he served on the school board and was a deacon at Greenwood Baptist Church. Following his time in Greenwood, he moved his family to Pyote and continued farming. Before beginning his lifelong career in the gas industry, he and Ruby worked at a children’s home in Pyote. In 1973, he began his career as a plant operator for Coastal States. He also worked for Adobe Oil in 1974 and eventually returned to Coastal States. He continued to rise in the company with several promotions and became an integral part of Valero in McAllen, Texas, recommending ways to improve production resulting in vast savings for the company. He was well known for his ability to lead, inspire and cultivate a collaborative, cooperative spirit among his employees. He was quoted as saying, “I believe in helping each other in any way we can, and I’m always willing to lend an ear to listen. Problems can be solved only when communication begins.” These were a few of the gifts he offered anyone around him, at home or in his personal life.

Despite these amazing accomplishments, the part of his life he treasured the most was his “little dandies” or “sugar foots” as he called them-his grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He worked together with his wife to teach Christian values to their family. He brought his listening ear from his work environment into his home and was always open for a good conversation. His “sugar feet and dandies” will also fondly remember their Papa saying that “you get what you get and you don’t throw a fit”. He taught them how to live life well and how to enjoy what you have. Additionally, he will be remembered for his quick wit, ability to make people laugh and feel comfortable, and his zest for life.

He will be dearly missed and will remain a legend and a core piece of all our hearts forever.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Ruby Lee Lucas, his mother and father, Allen Thea and Zenona (Northcutt) Lucas, and his daughter, Cindy Lucas Johnston.

He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Allen and Kay Lynne Lucas, Linda and Johnny Gonzales, and Audrey and Joe Hollingsworth. He has one surviving sister, June Lucas Houston. He cherished his twelve grandchildren, twenty nine great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.

A viewing will be held Friday, August 12, 2022, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Gilbreath Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at Evergreen Cemetery Chapel, Stanton, Texas, Saturday, August 13, 2022, beginning at 10:30am.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gilbreath Funeral Home of Stanton. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com

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