Norman Donald Lucas

Norman Donald Lucas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 28, 2011. Mr. Lucas was born on a farm in Kay County, Oklahoma on the 27th of October, 1916 to Earl and Myrtle Lucas. Upon graduation from Oklahoma University in May, 1938 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and C.P.A. accreditation, he accepted employment with Carter Oil in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which was a subsidiary of the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey, and pursued studies in geology.

He volunteered to serve his country in the U.S. Army, where he was assigned to securing the peace for the reconstruction of Japan under General MacArthur after the World War II armistice. Upon discharge from the U.S. Army, he rejoined Carter and Standard Oil, which later became Humble Oil, then Exxon. He was the only person in the company’s finance department to work directly with the organization’s geologists to facilitate oil exploration.

In 1965, he was chosen by Exxon to be part of their management team in the exploration group for the company’s new offices in Houston, Texas. He retired in 1986, after 48 years of service to the corporation.

Norman was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by his daughter Margaret; and his brother Glenn; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia, who died in 2004; and his brother Merle. Norman lived a life of commitment, integrity, love and joy. He enjoyed exploring this beautiful country with his family, most recently, New England, with his daughter Margaret.

He actively served as a member of the Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. He also played the piano and the violin, and enjoyed reading. He was also an active member of Memorial Athletic Club, and rarely missed a day.

The family expresses their sincere appreciation to Pat Knapp, Jean Frankston, and Becky Tarpey for their diligence and care for our beloved Norman that allowed him to enjoy his life in the tranquility and comfort of his home.