Charles Lucas

Charles Töner “Chuck” Lucas, age 76, died after a courageous battle with cancer on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018 at 8:05 pm while at home surrounded by his family and friends. He was born March 1, 1942, in Waynesboro to the late Paul and Esther Kaufman Lucas. He was a life-long resident of Chambersburg and was a respected member of the community.

Chuck graduated from CASHS in 1960, where he participated in the Glee Club, Choristers, and Esquires. He attended Shippensburg State College in 1960-61, then returned to Shippensburg in 1965 where he graduated with a degree in History Education in 1968 and a Masters of Education in 1971.

He served the United States for over 30 years as a member of the US Air Force. Between 1961-65, he served as a Radio Intercept Analyst and Photo Interpretation Specialist. From 1972-73, he served with the PA Army National Guard in Chambersburg. In 1974, he joined the WV Air National Guard (167th Tactical Airlift Group) in Martinsburg where he was commissioned as an officer in 1979 and rose through the ranks, obtaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1994. He served in the inactive Reserve from 1994-2002. While in the Air National Guard, he served as an Air Intelligence Officer. He was a veteran of the Cold War and Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. While in the military, he served in a number of locations including St. Lawrence Island (Alaska), Germany, Spain, Panama, Belgium, and England. Among the awards he received during his military career were the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

He began his long and distinguished career as an educator with the Chamersburg Area School District in 1968, where he taught College Prep World and AP European History until his retirement in 2002. His hobbies as a WWII historian and militaria collector made him a popular and admired history teacher by both students and faculty. He also served as CASHS Yearbook Advisor from 1978-2002 and CASHS Sports Financial Manager from 1974-2016.

He served as past President of the Chambersburg Area Education Association, Operations Manager and past President of the Guilford Swim Club, Past High Priest of George Washingtion Lodge #143 (Royal Arch Chapter 176), and Commander of Charles Nitterhouse VFW Post #1599 from 2005-2011.

He also belonged to the Pennsylvania State Education Association, National Education Association, AmVets, the Knights Templar, Shriners of North America, the Sojourners, Military Order of the Cootie, and the VFW Honor Guard.

He leaves behind a wife of almost 50 years, Mary Louise (Barbour) Lucas; two daughters, Cynthia Bowen (wife of William) of Chambersburg, Jennifer Pond (wife of Robert) of Frederick, MD; two brothers, Theodore A. Lucas (husband of Denise) of Chambersburg and Jeffrey L. Lucas of Myrtle Beach, SC; four grandchildren, Lauren and Andrew Bowen, and Alaina and Brady Pond. He is also survived by four nephews and two nieces. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Elizabeth Lucas.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 6, 2018, at 2:00 pm in The Chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg. Pastor John Kratz and Rev. Dr. Dianne Salter will officiate. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 5, 2018, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home. Interment, with military honors by members of the Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 VFW Honor Guard will follow at Lincoln Cemetery, Chambersburg.

Memorial contributions in Chuck’s memory to benefit the Scholarship Fund may be made to Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 VFW, 747 South Fourth Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201.