Hugh Thomas Lucas, 83, of Natural Bridge, died Monday, September 18, 2006 at Kendal in Lexington.

He was born March 10, 1923 in Rockbridge County, a son of the late Thomas Julian Lucas and Mary Blair Paxton Lucas.

He was a member of the Timber Ridge Presbyterian Church and was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth L. Cummins, and a brother, Joe H. Lucas.

Mr. Lucas was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served in the Pacific in World War II. He was employed by Columbia Gas, first in Lexington and then in Stanardsville until his retirement in 1988.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jane Rosen Lucas; a son, Thomas S. Lucas and his wife, Pat Groot of Charlottesville; three daughters: Martha L. Bar and husband, David of Charlottesville; Susan L. Cockrell of Roanoke; and Ann Lucas and husband, Roger Birle of Charlottesville; eight grandchildren: Julianne and Porter Bar, Erica, Nina, and Jillian Cockrell, and Eleanor, Thomas and Susannah Birle. Mr. Lucas is also survived by a sister, Virginia L. Kibler of Staunton.

There will be a visitation at the Harrison Funeral Home in Lexington, Virginia, from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 20. The Rev. Carl Moore will conduct a graveside service at Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church in Steeles Tavern at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 21. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rockbridge Area Hospice, 129 S. Randolph St., Lexington, VA. 24450 or the Timber Ridge Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 73 Sam Houston Way, Lexington, Va. 24450.

Arrangements are being handled by the Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington.