Evelyn Lucas

Evelyn Lucas passed over August 27, 2017 to join her beloved late husband, Lloyd R. Lucas. She was surrounded by her loving family in McKinney, TX. Evelyn was born September 12, 1924, in Center Point, Arkansas, the daughter of James and Eva Watson Chambers. Evelyn grew up on a farm in Nashville, Arkansas. She was one of 5 children. Evelyn enjoyed her school days and was nicknamed "Little Star" by her teachers because she performed so well in school. Her love of education took her to Henderson State Teachers College in Arkadelphia. There she met Lloyd Lucas, who was attending classes for the Army Air Corps. After a brief courtship, they married in Hot Springs, Arkansas on June 24, 1946. The two embarked on a journey to Fairbanks, Alaska, where Lloyd served as a lieutenant and C47 pilot. This was Evelyn's first trip from Arkansas. While in Alaska their first child, Barbara, was born. Lloyd and Evelyn built their first home to sell. After the war ended, Lloyd and Evelyn came to Danville to settle in 1948 and complete their family. Evelyn and Lloyd had 7 children in 10 years, Barbara (Lucky) Somers of San Jose, CA; Linda (Robert) Agnew of Melissa, TX; Lloyd Lucas ll of Danville, IL; Kristy, (Dan) Jeakins of Plano, TX; MarySue Lucas of Cedar Park, TX; Jill (Matt) Jordan of Redlands, CA; and Jack Lucas of Danville, IL. Lloyd and these 7 children were her passion. A typical day for Evelyn was beyond what any normal wife, partner and mother could accomplish, but she always did and then some! How did she fill her spare time? All her children were involved in many activities, such as track, swimming, basketball, baseball, football, tap, piano, tumbling, cheerleading, pompettes, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. She rarely missed one event. At Mossers' Shoe Store in downtown Danville they were always happy to see her coming to purchase 21 pair of shoes twice a year, for school, church and PF Flyers (Keds). The same was true for local stores Reis Straus, Woodbury's, Alexander's Sporting Goods and Jules Straus. Monday through Friday dinner was on the table at 5:00 every evening. Evelyn really enjoyed cooking and baking, especially pies. Many a morning you would find her drinking coffee with her neighbor, June Jackson while hemming a skirt, replacing a button, sewing on a patch, or making a Sadie Hawkins bow or a Halloween costume. In addition to caring for her children, once the crew had left for school, off she went to work with Lloyd only to return before the children arrived home from school. Evelyn worked at Lucas Construction for 67 years. Evelyn always made time to be with Lloyd and they enjoyed their time together. They bowled in a league together, played bridge, golfed, and traveled. Most Saturday nights were reserved for the two of them to dine and dance with close friends, enjoy the Elks Club, Danville Country Club, and the Jaycees. Lloyd and Evelyn attended St James United Methodist Church and the 3M Sunday school class. Evelyn moved to Redlands, California in 2014 to live with her daughter and son-in law, Matt and Jill Jordan, and be nearer her daughter Barbara Somers. Evelyn quickly made friends in Redlands, joining Jill and Matt at Redlands Country Club and the Redlands Symphony. In January of 2017 Evelyn moved to McKinney, Texas and enjoyed her remaining days surrounded by her Texas daughters, Linda Agnew, Kristy Jeakins and MarySue Lucas. Evelyn and Lloyd left a legacy of 19 loving grandchildren, Brooke Johnson, Lindsay McCarty and Whitney Belfanti, John Fitzsimmons II and Todd Fitzsimmons, Jennifer Schnell and Murphy Lucas, Courtney Wesson, Travis Jeakins and Chelsea Davenport, Thor Yanko, Somer Zinnecker, Ashlynn Yanko and Heath Yanko, Shane Jordan, Justin Jordan, Taylor Jordan and Grant Jordan and Kyla Lazzell: and 31 great grandchildren. Evelyn never smiled more the past few years than when she was with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Please join the family for a celebration of Evelyn's life on Saturday, October 21, 2017 from 2pm until 5pm at 3805 North Vermillion Street, Danville. Flowers may be sent to 3805 North Vermillion or donations made to DACC Foundation, 2000 East Main Street, Danville, Illinois, 61832 c/o Evelyn Lucas Scholarship. Join Evelyn's family in sharing photos and memories on her tribute wall at www.susnetfuneralhome.com