Walter Lucas Obituary

Share your Memorial with Family & Friends Walter Harry Lucas, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, January 17, 2025. Walt was born on April 29, 1946, in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota and grew up in Hibbing, Minnesota. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Katherine Lucas of 44 years. He was a loving father and is survived by his children: Kari Lucas, Jason (Jennifer) Lucas, Joanna (Bruno) Pell, and Timothy Glenn. He leaves behind fifteen grandchildren: Jennifer (Matthew) Fichtner, Kristy (Luke) Sims, Nicholas (Tess) Pell, Victoria Hart, Melanie (Matthew) Brown, Zachary (Raechel) Lucas, Kenna Pell, James Seipel, Cami Lucas, Hunter Glenn, Hannah Glenn, Aiddon Lucas, Blaise Lucas, Haidyn Glenn, Brooke Glenn, seven great grandchildren, and siblings Sherry (Allen) Curtis, Terry (Teresa) Lucas, and Mona Kerber. Walt was preceded in death by his father Harry Lucas, mother Verdella Otto, step-mother Rosetta (Rice) Lucas, and siblings Beverly (Ken) Gjerness, Caroline (Calvin) Smith, and Ervin (Mary) Sams. Walt devoted his careers to serving his country both in the Military and Government. Walt's 20 years in the U.S. Navy began on September 30, 1964, with entry into service in Watertown, South Dakota. He completed basic training at the Naval Training Center San Diego followed by technical training at Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC) Corry Station where he was certified to serve as a Cryptologic Technician (CTR). His storied Naval career as a CT "R-Brancher" took him around the world from the island country of Cyprus in the Mediterranean, the Atlantic Coast of Puerto Rico at Sabana Seca, back stateside to the border of Virginia and North Carolina, across the Atlantic again to the southernmost region of Spain, and later assigned to the USS Saratoga, Jacksonville, Florida. He completed his Naval Service in 1984 as a Chief Petty Officer back where he trained as a CT at NTTC Corry Station. Here he served in roles supporting OUTBOARD Operator training as phase manager, course manager, instructor, and eventually OUTBOARD Operator curriculum writer. Upon retirement from the U.S. Navy, Walt served 20 years in the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier serving the city of Pensacola, Florida. Walt's signature smile lit up a room and with his outgoing personality he never met a stranger. With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, and a joke always on the tip of his tongue, Walt left behind a legacy of laughter that will echo in the hearts of all who knew him. His quick wit, and ability to find humor even in the most mundane situations brought joy to countless lives. He was a car enthusiast and enjoyed working in his garage in Pensacola. Once he moved to Merritt Island in 2009, he enjoyed going to garage sales, auctions, playing cards, and spending time with friends and family. He is incredibly missed and will be forever in our hearts.Walt's memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 12 at 12:30 p.m. at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery located at 5525 U.S. Highway 1, North Mims, FL 32754. Upon arrival, head to "Lane C."A celebration of life will be held following the service at 3 p.m. at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center located at 400 S Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952. Please share a funny story about Walt to keep his memory alive and the world a little brighter. If you are unable to attend, please share your stories via email or messenger to Kari Lockwood, Joanna Pell and Katherine Lucas at [email protected], so that they may be read at that time.