Russell James Lucas

June 1, 1943 - February 12, 2022

After a valiant battle with dementia, Russell J Lucas, 78, passed away on February 12, 2022 at home with his beloved wife Shelly at his side. Russell was born June 1, 1943 to George and Coretta Lucas in Ochelata. He is preceded in death by his son Bryan Lucas and parents George and Coretta Lucas. He is survived by his wife Shelly, his stepson Blake and wife Bridget Fogle and grandsons Maverick and baby brother Behr. Russell was a 1961 graduate from Ochelata Longhorns. After high school, he was employed as a machinist at Reda Pump. He was drafted into the US Army in 1966 and served until 1968. While he served in the army, he met his lifelong friend Marion Fletcher who quickly became more like a brother to him. After serving in the army, he returned home to Ochelata and worked alongside his father raising and hauling cattle. He became a father to his son Bryan in 1971. He was employed at Utility Management and Construction and retired after 30 years of employment. In 1980, Russell, his longtime friend Randy Randolph and his cousin Raymond Lucas started 3R Drilling. Russell was a lifelong rancher and especially enjoyed having friends and family over to team rope at his arena. Russell met the love of his life Shelly and they married on May 22, 1997. During this marriage, he also gained a stepson Blake. He taught Blake the ins and outs of ranching, raising cattle and baling hay. As a family, they enjoyed many vacations including Disney World, Calgary Stampede and Cheyenne Frontier Days. Russell always had a project on the ranch whether it was building fence, constructing working pens, working cattle and riding horses. Russell became a papa to his first grandchild Maverick in 2019. They shared a special bond and spent many days together. Russell was the life of the party and could make anyone laugh with all of his jokes and stories. He will be greatly missed and his legacy will be carried on by his family.