John Andrew Lucas

JOHN ANDREW LUCAS December 24, 1934 June 28, 2011 Turner, Oregon John passed away Tuesday, June 28, at the age of 76, from the effects of esophageal cancer. He died peacefully in his home. John was born in Salem, Oregon, to Mike Lucas and Josephine (Brouriver) Lucas. John graduated from West Stayton Grade School in 1949, and Salem High School in 1953. His senior year, John enlisted in the Navy Reserve, in which he served for eight years. John spent his first five years out of high school, working in the textile industry. He worked first for Oregon Flax Textiles in the shipping and handling department, then later for Asten Hill Corporation, working as a weaver, running the power loom. In 1956, the Navy sent John to six months of school for training in electronics. In 1958, John and his older brother Everett, started a small dairy under the name of Cascade Farms, John bought his brother out of this business in 1965. In 1960, John met his bride-to-be, Donna Booen, they were married two years later in 1962. John, Donna, and brother and sister-in-law E.B. and Phyllis Lewis were co-owners of Valley Meat from 1963-1973. In 1973, John and Donna sold their interest in Valley Meat and John also closed the dairy. In 1974, John purchased a mobile slaughter rig and, continuing under the name Cascade Farms, operated a custom cut and wrap meat business. In 1980, John began yet another business under the Cascade Farms name; a ranch which eventually was changed to Cascade Farms of Oregon, Incorporated. His son, Randy, joined him full time in the family business in 1987. Together they operated the meat business and ranch, until they closed down the meat business in 1995. The ranch is operational to this present day. John was an active member of the Calvary Lutheran Church, which John, Donna, and their children joined in 1973. John served as an elder for a couple years, then served as a deacon for 6+ years. John was known for taking comedic roles in church plays, and much to the delight of the congregation, John often took the role of the female lead! Johns interests included building successful businesses; spending time with his wife, with whom he did everything; parenting; and involvement with his church. John said he was most proud of my family and our little church. John will be missed by his family and friends. John is survived by his children Cindy Goudge and Randy Lucas; his sister, Tillie Haynes; his sister-in-law, Ella Lucas; nine grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Lucas; and his brother, Everett Lucas. There will be a memorial service for John at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, 2011, at the Calvary Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund at Calvary Lutheran Church at 198 Fern Ridge Road, Stayton, OR, 97383. Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Services Stayton, OR.