Conrad "Jody" G. Lucas

On February 10, 2017, Mr. Conrad G. “Jody” Lucas departed this Earth for his Heavenly home.

Jody is survived by his wife and teammate of 45 years, Patricia Ann Stollings Lucas; his son Conrad G. Lucas II (fiancé LeFlor Barbour); daughter Conrae Jan Lucas-Adkins (husband Randy); two adoring grandchildren, Randyn Gles Adkins and Blade Scott Adkins; three brothers, Ronald (Sharon) Lucas, Michael Lucas, and Donald (Patti) Lucas; one half-brother, Jon Lucas; four sisters, Donna (Tommy) Miller, Brenda Baker, Phyllis (Harry) Kirk, and Tawyana Fleming; and one half-sister Tinia (John) Creamer. Jody was also blessed with many loving nieces & nephews, a wonderful extended family, and a host of loyal friends & colleagues.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Davis “Tiny” Lucas, his mother, Mae Frye Lucas Adkins, his eldest son Scott Alan Lucas, brother-in-law Rod Baker, and three half-siblings Benjamin, Quinton, and Angel Lucas.

Jody was born on May 24, 1948, in Ranger, WV. He began his academic pursuits in a “little one room schoolhouse in Ranger.” From there, he attended Midkiff Elementary and graduated from Guyan Valley High School. Jody completed his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree from Marshall University, graduating with academic honors.

Jody’s careers were diverse, representing his varied interests and broad intellectual capacities. He was a certified welder and worked in the coal mines for Pittston Coal. He also worked in construction for Orders Construction and Turman Construction. He took great joy when he was younger working in his parents’ businesses and loved his time owning the Keystone Gas Station at the foot of Fourteen Mile Mountain. He was a veteran of the Army National Guard. Jody taught Adult Basic Education courses and undergraduate college courses. He was a member of the Masonic lodge in Hamlin. While living in Berkeley Springs, he was president of the Morgan County Republican club.

It was school finance that seemed to capture his heart and soul and maintain his interest. His first position was in the department of school finance in Lincoln County Schools from the mid-1980s through 1993. In the spring of 1993, he accepted the Treasurer of School Finance position for Morgan County Schools and remained there until spring 2005, when he accepted the Treasurer of School Finance position for Cabell County Schools. He held the presidency position for the West Virginia Association of School Business Officials. He consulted with counties throughout West Virginia and other states and served as the RESA II Chief Financial Officer. One colleague referred to him as the “Godfather of School Finance.”

Jody loved to read, travel, and ponder questions of the world. He loved the water and was so relaxed when he was sitting on the deck with cup of coffee overlooking the “mighty Atlantic” in Carolina Beach, North Carolina. As much as he loved a vacation down South, he also loved his work. He struggled to imagine what his life would be once he retired, and he said so often, “I don’t know what I would do with myself if I retired.” Jody embraced learning, strived for perfection, analyzed details, and never shied away from hard work, hence his excellence in all personal and professional endeavors. Jody loved politics and said that he could never understand those who followed professional sports as he thought politics was much more entertaining.

Jody was a man of strength, wisdom, and dignity. He met adversities with a fighting spirit, and because of his perseverance, brilliant mind, and faith in his Heavenly Father, Jody achieved success in all facets of his life. He remains an inspiration and hero to his children, and his wife’s best friend and the “forever love of her life.” He will always be known as “Pops” to his grandchildren; the dependable, loving, and patient grandfather who brought a smile to their faces and a sense of security to their souls.

Arrangements are being handled by Handley Funeral Home in Hamlin, WV. Visitation is from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2017.

Funeral services are at 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2017. Burial will follow at Manns Knob Cemetery in Harts, WV, with a gathering for friends and family at East Fork Freewill Baptist in Ranger.