Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Andy Lucas, a long-time resident of Oklahoma City, passed away peacefully at his home on August 20, 2024, at the age of 78. He had been battling lung disease for an extended period, and his final moments were spent surrounded by his loving family.
Born on August 14, 1946, at Saint Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City, Andy was the eldest son of Haskell (Hack) and Kathelene (Mimi) Lucas. Raised in Washington, Oklahoma, Andy was an active member of the Southern Baptist Church, reflecting his deep faith throughout his life.
Andy’s life was marked by hard work and dedication. He began his career by picking cotton and baling hay, later excelling in baseball during his time at Washington High School. His exceptional talent earned him a spot as an All-Stater and a baseball scholarship to Bacone University. However, he chose to attend Oklahoma State University, where an arm injury ended his promising baseball career.
Andy served his country in both the Army and the Air Force for four years. He later married Glenda Embry and became a devoted father to her three daughters, Lori Castello, Lisa Hoge, and Shawna Rich. In 1972, their daughter Staci was born. Andy played an active role in their lives, coaching and umpiring in softball and helping to establish the Washington Girls Softball Association, where he served as President.
In 1980, Andy moved to Yukon, Oklahoma, where he met and married Tammy Griffith. Together, they had a son, Nathan, born in 1991. Andy also embraced the role of a loving stepfather to Tammy’s son, Michael Whitley.
Andy enjoyed a diverse career, including roles as Captain of the Fire Department at Tinker Air Force Base, a pumper for Del Hi Gas Pipeline, and a worker at H&H Plumbing. He also ventured into the thoroughbred industry and showcased his artistic talents by founding his own company, “Smidgens.”
An avid outdoorsman, Andy loved fishing, hunting, and golfing, even achieving a hole-in-one. His greatest joy came from watching his son Nathan play baseball and coaching his various teams.
Andy will be remembered for his deep faith, patriotic spirit, and sense of humor, which he shared through his memorable “Andyisms.” He believed no problem was too great for a bit of duct tape.
He is survived by his children: Staci Amy and her husband Brian, Nathan Lucas and his wife Chelsie; grandchildren Connor Amy, Jake Amy, and Elijah Lucas; and his brother Joe and his wife Hazel, along with their children Dustin, Nicole, Haley, and Jesse.
Private services will be held at a later date. The family has expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Loving Care Hospice and its dedicated staff, including Jason, Jill, Tommie, Julie, Thom, Michelle, and Dr. Rick Schmidt, for their exceptional care and compassion during Andy’s final days.