Elihu Root Lucas, Jr.

Elihu (Luke/Eli) R. Lucas, Jr. passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at the age of 95. Hew was born in November 1925 in New Orleans, La. to the late Katherine J. Clavin and Elihu R. Lucas, Sr. He is survived by his beloved wife of Antoinette (Ann) Molay Lucas of 70 years; his children Elihu R. Lucas, III, Stephen E. Lucas (Kim E. Hudson) and Lori Lucas Ruello (Dennis); and his grandson Christopher Lucas Ruello. He is also survived by his sister Betty L. Wallbillich (the late Thomas); his niece Kim Wallbillich Daigle (Lloyd), and nephews Thomas J. Wallbillich III, Bruce J. Wallbillich (Elizabeth). Luke was raised in New Orleans and graduated from St. Aloysius High School in 1943 then attended LSU. After one semester, he enlisted the Army Air Corps; he was an aerial gunner. After the war was over, he returned to LSU and received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1950. Luke and Ann were married in September 1951. Luke was party chief in developing I-10, the New Orleans approach to the Mississippi River Bridge, designed, and surveyed numerous subdivisions in Louisiana and Mississippi. He worked as a project manager for Landis Construction Company, vice president of Audubon Construction and president of Profession Construction Services. Luke loved fishing but gave it up for golf. During his off time, he played golf as often as he could, making two holes in one and winning many tournaments. Playing in bad weather was never a problem. He even took a year sabbatical and played golf every chance he could playing as much as 45 holes a day. Luke was a long-time member of the Bernadotte Golf Club in New Orleans City Park until he moved to Harahan, La. He gave up his membership because he moved so close to Colonial Golf. He became a member there and was known as “The Dog.” Since Colonial closed, he joined The Grand Ridge Golf Club, where he was known as “Eli the Elder.” “I made friends every place that I played and that’s what it’s all about.”

The family would like to thank all of the caregivers who provided special love and attention to our parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Luke to be made to American Legion Post 350 Band, 2114 Lemon St., Metairie, La. 70001, or the organization of your choice.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass in the Chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 12:00pm. Visitation will begin at 10:00AM. Interment will be in Lake Lawn Park and Mausoleum.