Ricky Lucas

Retired Senior Master Sergeant Ricky Lucas, 62, of Knob Noster, MO passed away September 4, 2016 peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on August 13,1954 in Chicago, IL, the son of Orval Victor Lucas and Edith Pearl Turner, who preceded him in death. He was raised in Harrisburg, IL. On August 16, 1974, in Trenton, IL, he was united in marriage to Lori Lynn Crispi, of O’Fallon, IL, who survives of the home.

In 1972 Sergeant Lucas entered active duty United States Air Force. He was stationed at Scott Air Force Base, IL. After serving as a communications specialist at the Headquarters Military Airlift Command, he was reassigned in 1976 to Det 5, Izmir, Turkey, for the NATO War Communications Center. In 1977 he was assigned to the 92d Field Maintenance Squadron, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. In 1982, Senior Master Sergeant Lucas was assigned to the 19TH Field Maintenance Squadron in Warner Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. In 1985, he was assigned to the 28th Field Maintenance Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, as the NCOIC of the B-1 Aerospace Ground Equipment Maintenance Section. He retrained in 1987 for a career as a First Sergeant. In 1989, Rick came to Whiteman Air Force Base, MO as the First Sergeant for the Mission Support Squadron. In 1991, he moved to Osan Air Force Base, South Korea, and took over First Sergeant duties at the 51st Component Repair Squadron. In 1992, he was transferred to Whiteman Air Force Base, as the First Sergeant of the 32nd Missile Security Squadron. In 1993, he assumed First Sergeant duties in the 351st Organizational Missile Maintenance Squadron and in 1995 the 509th Security Police Squadron. In 1997, Rick retired from the USAF with honors after 24 ½ years of dedicated service. Upon retirement, he worked at Hayes Wheels in Sedalia, Missouri, for 9 years. Lastly, he worked at Bothwell Regional Health Center for 10 years as a Radiology Transporter, retiring in February of 2016.

SMSGT Rick Lucas’ military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with Four Oak Leaf Cluster, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal. He was promoted to the grade of Senior Master Sergeant in June 1989. SMSGT Lucas has been awarded Air Force Specialty Codes in Communications, Maintenance, and the First Sergeant career fields. He completed the Fifteenth Air Force Noncommissioned Officer Leadership School and the Air Force Logistics Command Officer Academy in residence. He is also a graduate of the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy in residence by correspondence.

Rick is survived by one daughter, Melissa Lynn Lucas; one son, David Lee (Krystal Louise) Lucas; two grandchildren, Victoria Lily Ann Harmon and Maximus Ambrose Lee Lucas; and one step-grandson, Aidan Michael Schultz.

Rick was a loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan who is known by many people for his smile and up-beat attitude. He always put others before himself and said his job was people. His life and love was his family. His wife, his children, and his grandchildren were truly everything to him!

The family is honoring his request to not have a service. He will be cremated, and buried at a later date. His wish is for a private Celebration of Life.

Contributions in Rick Lucas’ name may be made at Simmons First Bank of Sedalia, for his grandchildren’s college funds.

Serving the family, Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia.