Donald G. Lucas, 86

Donald G. Lucas “entered into eternal rest” peacefully Dec. 8, 2016, following complications of Parkinson’s disease. 

He spent his final days surrounded by loving members of his family.

Don was born in Miles City on May 10, 1930, to Peter and Helen Lucas. He spent his childhood growing up in Miles City where he excelled in legion baseball, football and tennis. He attended the University of Montana, where he played basketball for the Grizzlies and received a business degree. He was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity and met the love of his life Anna Martinson. They married in Kalispell on Jan. 17, 1953. 

Don served in the Korean War and was stationed as an officer in the U.S. Army at Fort Ord, California, until he left the service to return to Missoula. Later in his career, Don returned to the Montana Army National Guard and retired as a captain with 26 years of total service.

Don and Anna were blessed with five children. As a young family they lived in Missoula where Don worked at Mueller Tire Company, but soon moved to Polson and went into a partnership owning the L & F Tire Shop. They built a home on Flathead Lake, where they raised their family and had many fond memories. Don and Anna loved attending Grizzly football games and they enjoyed many trips throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. The hobbies Don loved were pinochle, bridge, cribbage, golf, bowling, fishing and hunting. He was a good-hearted and generous person and a loving husband and father.

Don had a strong sense of civic duty and was active in many organizations in both the Missoula and Polson communities. He served in the Montana House of Representatives. Don was a Scoutmaster and served on the District Council for Boy Scouts of America. He was a lifetime member of Kiwanis and the Masonic Lodge, and was actively involved in American Legion, Shriners, Community Concert, Mission Mountain Enterprises, Confed-erated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Shoreline Protection board and the Polson Community Church. In 1990, Don was appointed Polson City Judge, a position he held until 2003. He also spent some of his retirement years as a substitute teacher in the Polson school system. Don was always giving back to the community.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Helen, his sisters Dorothy and Betty, and his brother Bob. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Anna, of 63 years; his brother Jim (Carol) of Florida; his children, Deb (Randy) in Polson, Chris (Alma) of Polson, Lori of Polson, Kelly (Dick) in Missoula and Pete (Barb) in Great Falls; nine grandchildren, Ryan, Annie, Lindsey, Katy, Nick, Alec, Ainur, Raya and Marcus; and four great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Trevor, Evelyn and Cora.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at The Pines of Polson Assisted Living Facilities who gave Don their compassionate care and wonderful support. We would also like to thank the Polson Community Church congregation, pastors and friends for their support of Don and our family.

A celebration of his life for family and friends will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Polson Community Church, 1814 First Street East. 

The family asks that in lieu of flowers to make any memorials to the Polson Community Church, the Polson Kiwanis Club or a charity of your choice. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.