Thomas Eaton Lucas

Funeral service for Thomas Eaton Lucas, 82, of Nacogdoches will be held at 10:00am on Friday, September 15, 2023 at Laird Funeral Home with Curtis Barbarick officiating.

Mr. Lucas passed away on Monday, September 11, 2023 in Tyler, Texas.  He was born on April 16, 1941 in Dunbar, West Virginia.

Thomas Eaton Lucas was born the son of Charles E. and Delphia Ellen Eaton Lucas.  He was raised alongside his siblings and grew to love being around people.  Tom carried this trait with him throughout his entire life.  He met and married Carol Morrison and together, they raised their 5 children.  The boys and the twin girls were the light of their lives and they loved them dearly.  He spent many hours following the boys around as they pursued their sporting abilities and he coached the girls softball teams as well.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved nothing more than having his children with him in the woods hunting.  He also taught them archery and took them to compete where they brought home many trophies.  His entire life revolved around his kids and making sure they enjoyed being children.  When he wasn’t running from field to field to catch the games, Tom worked in the steel industry.  After relocating to East Texas in 1976 to be closer to his family, he opened a cultured marble business supplying beautiful pieces for many homes.  He, Carol and the kids all played a role in this and Tom was happy with any amount of time they were able to spend together….. even if it was work.  Later he began his career at Nacogdoches ISD.  Upon retirement from the school system, he worked for Wal Mart where he was able to spend his days doing what he loved best…. talking to folks.  He made many friends in his work environment and people loved going by to take a minute and spend with him.  What they didn’t know was that it was more of a blessing for Tom than it was for the ones who stopped by to chat.  He never met a stranger and rest assured, the next time he saw you in passing, he would remember you.  Tom was also a member of North Street Church of Christ.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Brenda Lucas; sons, Brian Lucas & wife, Jill and Barry Lucas; 6 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; sister, Lorraine Garner; brothers, Charles Lucas III & wife, Reva and Stanley Lucas & wife, Karen; as well a numerous nieces and nephews and an entire army of friends who loved him dearly.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Carol; his daughter, Belinda Lucas (Temple); son, Brent Lucas and his granddaughter, Erin.

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