AVA – Paul J. Lucas, 87, of Ava, passed away at 1:20 pm, Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Marion.

Paul was born in Datto, Arkansas, on March 18, 1932, the son of William Arnold and Ethel Mae Leonard Lucas.  He married Sally A. Pulcher on July 16, 1955, in Vicksburg, Mississippi.  She preceded him in death March 11, 2014.  He was a Korean War veteran, having served in the Army.  Paul was retired from Curwood in Murphysboro.

Paul is survived by his children, Paul Daniel (Dianna) Lucas of Murphysboro, James Lucas of Carbondale, Michael Lucas of Wilmington, NC, Sallie Lucas of Chicago and Jeffrey (Jim) Lucas of Chicago; brother, Charles Lucas of Bellflower, MO; half sister, Dorothy Wilson of Rome, GA; and sister-in-law, Patricia Lucas of Quincy, IL.

Paul was also preceded in death by his Parents; two brothers, J.W. Lucas and Arnold Lucas; and two sisters, Marie Metcalf and Ethel Bennett.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, March 30, 2019, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, with Rev. Bill Stoklosa officiating.  Burial will follow at Ava Evergreen Cemetery in Ava.  Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, where friends may call from 10 am until 1 pm Saturday.  Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church, Ava.