Guy E. Lucas

“Off like a herd of turtles,” Guy E. Lucas, 77, of Rensselaer, Indiana, died unexpectedly, but peacefully at home on July 23, 2026. Guy was born on May 17, 1949. He grew up in Starke County, Indiana, son of Carl and Betty Joe (Taylor) Lucas. He graduated from North Judson High School with the Class of 1967 before earning his bachelor's degree in Agricultural Education from Purdue University (Boiler Up.) Guy grew up helping Carl farm in Starke County. Guy and Barb (Hannon) met at a Co-op house party at Purdue. Despite singing slightly off key to Barb, she still married him on February 5, 1972. Their life together took them on a loop through the mid-west, living in Illinois, Nebraska and the Twin Cities. The big City was the part Guy hated but Barb loved. They returned to Indiana in the early 2000s, about the same time their son Andrew moved back as well. They were together until his passing, 54 years later. After graduating from Purdue Guy spent a career managing grain elevators. This included a long stretch in Nebraska where he met his closest “buds.” He still had a text string with this group up to the day he passed. When his son Andrew moved back to Indiana, Guy let him build a room in their pole barn in Starke County. Guy grumbled the whole time, “No one is going to stay in that dusty old barn.” This turned into the family hunting camp. Guy spent years spoiling Andrew’s friends as the “camp cook” for Deer Camp. This was also ground zero for his enormous garden. He spent his retirement planting, weeding, spraying, weeding and harvesting. This led to his second hobby, canning which led to his third hobby, cooking. Guy spent his last evening with family at a Porter County 4-H event. He was a ten year 4-Her himself. He is survived by wife, Barbara Lucas and his son, Andrew (Sheila) Lucas of Valparaiso, Indiana. He was immensely proud of his grandchildren, Ethan Lucas, who just graduated from Purdue and commissioned as an Army 2 nd Lt. at Fort Knox and granddaughter Andrea Lucas. Andrea got to spend Guy’s last day with him working in the garden. He enjoyed spending time with his brother and sister in-laws, Chuck and Becky Hannon, Ag and Chick Sweeney and Dianne and Todd Evans. He had just seen his sister Brenda Franey of Maine and Patty Redlin of Knox, Indiana. He spent many happy hours sitting in the driveway of the barn with his nephew, Todd Redlin who helped him farm. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Betty Joe Lucas. There are no immediate funeral arrangements. The family appreciates everyone’s thoughts and prayers. Donations in Guy’s memory can be made to: “Porter County 4H Poultry Project” and mailed to 105 Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383.

Guy E. Lucas

May 17, 1949 - July 23, 2026