Marvin Lucas
d. January 17, 2010
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA - Marvin Wilson "Luke" Lucas, 85, of Virginia Beach, VA, formerly of Vero Beach, FL, died peacefully January 17, 2010 after a brief illness.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00, Friday, January 22, at Baylake United Methodist Church, 4300 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA followed by visitation. A graveside service will be at 2:00 Saturday, January 23, at Maplewood Cemetery in Wilson, NC.
Born in Lucama, NC, he was the youngest child of John R. and Beulah Barnes Lucas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four older brothers: Osborne S. Lucas, James C. Lucas, Champ C. Lucas, and J. Marshall Lucas.
Marvin graduated from Lucama High School in 1942 where he served as class valedictorian. He enlisted in the military in 1943 and served in the US Army Air Force during World War II as a First Lieutenant / B-24 navigator in the 449th Bomber Group. He was stationed in Grottaglie, Italy, and flew 38 combat missions over Italy and southern Germany. Marvin was awarded the Air Medal and five combat stars for service to his country.
After World War II, Marvin attended Duke University where he graduated in 1949 with a degree in civil engineering. Upon graduation, he worked with the City of Norfolk Public Works Department. Marvin founded Luke Construction in 1953. Over the years Luke Construction built numerous bridges, culverts, and other infrastructure in the Tidewater area. He was most proud of his work on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and the construction in 1969 of Met Park in Norfolk, home of the Tidewater Tides.
His civic involvement included work with the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce, Old Dominion University, and the advisory board of the Tidewater / Norfolk Tides. Marvin served as a director of the Virginia Branch of the Associated General Contractors of America, president of the Norfolk Builders & Contractors Exchange, vice president of the Virginia Road Builders Association, and president of the Big Blue Club at Old Dominion University.
Marvin is survived by his son, Blaine K. Lucas and wife, Barbara, of Virginia Beach, VA; daughter, Tara L. Mattson and husband, John, and granddaughters, Caitlin E. Mattson and Lauren K. Mattson all of Saratoga, CA.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lucama United Methodist Church, PO Box 656, Lucama NC 27851 or Baylake United Methodist Church, 4300 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach VA 23455.