Mr. Harold Maurice Lucas

The son of Louise A. Greene Bailey, Harold Maurice Lucas was born at Gallinger Hospital on July 31, 1930, in Washington, DC. He was affectionately called “Sonny,” “Luke,” or “Lucas” by family and friends. As a native Washingtonian, Harold attended the city’s public schools before becoming an educator himself. Harold graduated from Armstrong Senior High School in 1948 and began a course of study in Trade and Industrial Education at Purdue University that same year. In 1952, he became the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. He was drafted into the army in 1953, where he specialized in photolithography. Harold honorably served his country for two years before his discharge in 1955. He met the woman who would become his life’s partner, Joan Montgomery, while in high school. However, their friendship did not blossom into romance until their college years. One day as Joan was traveling by train to Central State University, where she studied, her natural friendliness led her into a conversation with another passenger. She was surprised to discover that this young man attended Purdue University and knew Harold. Through this friend, Joan extended an invitation to Harold to contact her the next time he came home from school. He did just that during the Christmas recess of 1951, and they became inseparable thereafter. With completion of his academic studies and service to the country behind him, and his teaching career firmly established, he and Joan married on July 26, 1958. Thereafter, he spent the most meaningful part of his life as a devoted husband, father of four, grandfather of four, and great-grandfather of one. He and Joan remained lovingly dedicated to each other until her death on May 18, 2006. In 1956, Harold began his professional teaching career in the District of Columbia Public School System, where he taught Industrial Arts at Gordon Junior High School. Following a brief leave of absence during the 1964-1965 school year to pursue graduate work, he resumed his teaching career at Gordon in 1965. Notably, on multiple occasions, Harold’s students won the Potomac Electric Power Company’s citywide lamp contest under his tutelage. Harold retired in 1988 after 30+ years of dedicated service. In his retirement years, he affectionately became a dependable caretaker to his grandchildren, and he and Joan enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Harold was a jazz enthusiast from his high school days. As he traveled to concerts up and down the East Coast with his equally-as-enthusiastic brother-in-law, Harold became personally acquainted with many jazz luminaries of the day. In fact, jazz trumpeter and composer Thad Jones and pianist Roland Hanna completed a composition on the Lucas family piano. That composition would be included on the Thad Jones and Mel Lewis “Suite for Pops” LP. A man of many abilities, Harold was an intellectual at heart. His love of learning was always evident as he planned family summer vacations around tours of historic sites and cultural attractions. His interests also included aviation and photography, and he impressed his family with his collection of photographic and film equipment. Harold was a voracious reader on many subjects, including American and European history, African American history and culture, and politics. He was considered something of a “Mr. Fix It” in the neighborhood as he readily assisted neighbors with auto, home, and bike repairs. Harold blessed the lives of many with his generosity of spirit and served as an inspiration to others. Harold moved on to continue his soul’s journey on May 16, joining his beloved wife Joan, predeceased daughter Dana, cherished mother Louise, esteemed Aunt Pearl Jefferson, and many other family members and friends who passed on before him. He leaves to lovingly cherish his memory his son Harold Lucas, Jr.; daughters Jacqueline Lucas and Terri Cofer; son-in-law Philip Cofer; grandchildren Jeremy and Jaime Lucas, and Arielle and Joshua Cofer; great-granddaughter Jaela Fielder; cousins Alva Hinton, Barrington Jefferson, and Deborah Mayronne, and many other loved ones and friends.

Mr. Harold Maurice Lucas

July 31, 1930 - May 16, 2025

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Mr. Harold Maurice Lucas

July 31, 1930 - May 16, 2025

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Resources

Grief & Healing

Obituaries

About Us

Contact Information