Dateline: Jersey County

Robert M. Lucas, Sr., 86, died at 7:35 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at Rosewood Care Center in Alton. Born February 19, 1932 in Cape Girardeau, MO, he was the son of Willis and Erma (Beggs) Lucas. Mr. Lucas served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the Alton Motorboat Club as well as the Wood River Eagles #2773. He was a manager at Pere Marquette Lodge in Grafton and later retired from Principia College in Elsah as Executive Chef. He had worked for the Cotton Belt Railroad in St. Louis, MO and was also the owner/operator of the Browse Around Card & Gift Shop in Wood River. On August 25, 1952 he married the former Levada Darlene Winegardner in Piggott, Arkansas. She preceded him in death on September 16, 2000 after 48 years of marriage. They had 6 children together. Surviving is a daughter, Deborah Herren of Alton, two sons, Robert M. Lucas Jr. (Cynthia) of Jerseyville, and Richard Lucas (Cheryl) of Alton, two sons-in-law, Walter Wade and Steve Humiston both of Alton, 16 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. Along with his parents and wife he was preceded in death by three daughters, Vicky Lynn Lucas in infancy, Beverly Wade on February 26, 2015 and Nancy Humiston August 26, 2005, and two brothers, Lester Lucas in infancy and James Lucas. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until time of memorial service at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Father Jeremy Paulin, OMV will officiate. He will be laid to rest next to his wife in Elsah Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com