DAVENPORT - Luther C. Lucas, Sr., 98, peacefully went to be with his Lord on December 13, 2008.

Born to the late Charles Chapman and Cecil Worley Lucas in Pembroke, Virginia on October 7, 1910, he was the last surviving of seven children.

Luther worked at the shipyards in Baltimore, Maryland as a welder, and after moving to Delaware in the late 1940's, continued working farming and welding. His last ten years of employment included teaching welding at the DuPont Company in Seaford, Delaware. He retired in 1977 and moved to Florida to enjoy his retirement years.

A devoted husband and father, Luther is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lona Pyle Lucas, a son and his wife, Luther Chapman, Jr. and Patricia of Dover, Delaware, and his loving daughter, Dale Hurley and husband Dave of Winter Haven, Florida. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Gary Lucas and his wife Cristy of Norman, Oklahoma, Kim Hurley of Auburndale, Florida, his special granddaughter, Robin Hurley of Hartly, Delaware, four great-grandchildren and two great-great-granddaughters.

Known for his sense of humor, kindness and gentle spirit, Luther was a devout Christian gentleman who touched the lives of everyone he met and was loved and admired by all. The world will truly be a sadder place because of his absence, and he will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2008 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City, Florida. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor Sharon Davis of the First United Methodist Church in Haines City will officiate.