Norman Lucas

Norman Lucas, 93, of Danville, passed away on March 26, 2015 at Hawthorne Inn Nursing Home in Danville. He was born on June 25, 1921 in Danville, the son of Paul and Rose (Williams) Lucas. He married Reva Wilson on March 29, 1952 in Decatur, IL and she preceded him in death on July 29, 2005. Norman will be deeply missed by his children; Terry (Celia) Rouse of Kansas City, MO, Bob (Sieko) Rouse of Salinas, CA, Jody Bentley of St. Joseph, IL, Bill (Chris) Lucas of Danville, IL, Cindy (Charlie) Belcher of St. Joseph, IL, Megan (Mike) Higdon of Thompson Station, TN, Beth (Gary) Ingold of Danville, IL and Don Lucas M.D. of New Westminster, Canada, fifteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two sons, Ronnie Rouse and Michael Paul Lucas and six siblings. Norman graduated from Danville High School in 1940 where he lettered 12 times in three different sports. He then joined the United States Army during WWII where he became a Staff Sergeant and earned two bronze stars. He fought in Holland, Belgium, France, Germany and during Battle of the Bulge he personally met and was congratulated for his bravery from General George S. Patton which was shown in a personal letter to Norman acknowledging his service. After the service Norman began working at Hyster Company in Danville where he spent 49 years prior to his retirement in 2001. He was also a life member at First Baptist Church in Danville where he was the head usher for over 30 years. Norman was a past member of the American Legion Post 210 in Danville and was an Avid Chicago Cubs fan. He enjoyed all of his family very much and they will all miss him dearly. The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Halloran and Dr. Timothy Horner as well as the staff at Hawthorne Inn and Harbor Light Hospice for all the loving care Norman received. A celebration of Normans life will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at 1:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville with Rev. Paul Rebbert officiating. Military Rites will be performed by Danvilles American Legion Post #210. Visitation will be held from 11:00-1:00 PM prior to the service. Norman will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville. Memorials can be made in his name to First Baptist Church in Danville. Please join Normans family in sharing photos, videos and memories on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com