Richard C. Lucas, Jr.
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On July 18, 2011, Richard C. Lucas Jr. (age 64) lost his battle with Parkinson’s. Rick Lucas was a native Kansan, born in Wichita on October 18, 1946, the son of Richard C. and Mildred Lucas. He grew up in the small Southwestern Kansas community of Lakin, along with three siblings: Jack Lucas (Goodland, KS), Scott Lucas (North Platte, NE) and Ann Fender (Oskaloosa, IA).
Rick shared the last forty years of his life with his wife, Beth (Lallier). The couple raised their three children: Whitney Claycamp (married to Troy Claycamp), Ashley Westhoff (married to Ryan Westhoff), and Brandon Lucas (married to Sarah Johns-Lucas); and was blessed with three grandchildren, Delaney and Brett Claycamp and Luke Westhoff.
Rick received a bachelor’s degree with honors in accounting and his master’s degree in finance from The University of Kansas, where he developed a steadfast loyalty to the Jayhawks and his beloved Delta Chi Fraternity.
An active alumnus of 41 years, Rick was a life member of the University of Kansas Alumni Association and the Deans Club at the University of Kansas School of Business. He maintained a leadership presence in the Delta Chi Fraternity, awarding yearly scholarships through the Kimball Educational Foundation. In 1999, he led an extensive renovation of the Chapter House which remains one of his proudest legacy projects.
Rick enjoyed a diverse career, ranging from the consulting division of Arthur Andersen, to a senior bank executive position, and then the opening and management of a Kansas City office for international career management firm, Drake Beam Morin. Rick founded his own business, LucasGroup, specializing in outplacement counseling and executive coaching.
Known for his personable and entertaining nature, Rick hosted his own Kansas City cable television show and served as a Commissioned Lay Pastor in the Presbyterian Church of Latour and Blairstown, MO. He was a frequent motivational speaker to area business and civic groups, including the Employment Practices Network board where he was honored for his "famous" introductions.
Rick was an elder and active member of John Knox Presbyterian Church, responsible for designing the memorial landscaping plan and courtyards. He is remembered departing the church, asking, "Are the dogwoods blooming?”
Rick leaves behind an impressive legacy of loyalty, leadership, and involvement, repeatedly contributing the best of himself to his family, friends, and community.
Visitation will be held at John Knox Presbyterian Kirk (11430 Wornall Road Kansas City, MO 64114), Wednesday, July 20, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorial services will be held at the same location on Thursday, July 21, 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, his family suggests contributions to the Kimball Educational Foundation or the Parkinson Foundation of the Heartland, where he served as a Board member and Chair of the BasketBALL Fundraising Gala 2007. Those contributions may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th St., Lawrence, KS 66044
So sorry to hear about Rick’s death. I was lucky enough to meet him at Ann’s–what a guy!! He did many great things in his life, and I know his family was number one with him. God Bless…
Rick was a special man with exceptional qualities and he loved his family very much. He was a fighter, a go-getter with an entrepreneurial spirit.
Beth and family,
I was so sad to hear of Rick’s passing. He was a wonderful person and I am honored to have had the chance to get to know him (and you) through my work with Delta Chi.
Rick’s spirit will live on in so many ways. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Just want you to know that you are in my prayers. Love you all.
Elaine Beaver
Lakin, Kansas
Whiteney and Troy, We are very sorry to hear about your father’s passing. We did not know him but he must have been a wonderful father to raised a wonderful daughter like Whitney. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of need. Very sorry for your loss.
Whitney and family, I was sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. — T.J.
Keeping your whole family in our prayers ~ the Hathhorns
A beloved husband,father, brother and friend. We will miss him. Love and prayers to each of you.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one, Rick. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.
Beth & Family – You are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m so sorry about your loss of Rick.
Sincerely,
Lois McCurdy – the Kirk
We are saddened by the loss of this good man and friend. The Lucas Family is part of our extended John Knox Presbyterian Kirk Family. Rick enriched the lives of all around him. Our hearts and prayers are with Beth, Whitney, Ashley and Brandon and Rick’s extended family.
Oh Beth! So sad. I really liked Rick. He was a good PCM-ite, and following that so very supportive of my brother’s ministry in KC/MO. A good man! God will enjoy him. JKC in Omaha
Our chuch has lost a valuable member who did provided a great service to Blairstown and Latour congragation. We will greatly miss his smile.
Oh, how we will miss Rick – what a good man and friend.
I am sorry to hear about Rick’s death. It’s never easy to say goodbye to a loved one…but you will have many cherished memories in your hearts forever. He was a great guy and will be greatly missed. Your are all in my thoughts and prayers. …Rob
In our neighborhood of “Nottinham Downs” Rick was well known as a good friend, kind person and always willing to help. He has left his mark and will be very missed.
Lucas Family, You are a loving family. Hold eachother close & May you cherish the beautiful memories as precious keepsakes always in your hearts. Neil & I have special memories of our HS days with Rick 🙂
I am honored to have memories of Rick for 30 years….starting when I was 12 years old in Tulsa, OK. He entrusted me to babysit his 3 precious children – 1 time! He was a dear man who never let a person feel they were not the most special person in the room. He was always my biggest fan in sports, school & life. He took care of my family in crunch times and I will never forget his kindness and generosity. He always made me laugh….I only hope he knew how much he influenced me over the years to be a better person. He exemplified everything I hope to be. He treated his family as the top priority at all times and that is a characteristic I have always admired and will always strive for. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He is the perfect example of an angel on earth. Love – Page
Beth and family,
I have thought of you often since you left FT. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of sorrow. I hope all of your memories will sustain you, and that God’s love will bring you peace.
Ashley, Whitney, B.J., & Mrs. Lucas,
Our deepest condolences to you and your families. We are sorry to hear that Mr. Lucas passed away. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers!
God Bless,
Wade, Stacie, & Wyatt Takeguchi
We offer our condolences to Rick’s family. I was an incoming freshman when Rick was Pesident of the Delta Chi Fraternity. I admired Rick’s motivation to the House. Many of us have benefited from Rick’s passion.