Elmer E. Lucas, Jr. Luke of Aiken, SC, died on Saturday, December 26, 2009. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Lucas on June 6, 2009. He was born in Steubenville, OH and grew up in Wellsburg, WV. After graduating high school in 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy and spent three years on active duty as a Pharmacist's Mate during World War II. The majority of his naval career was aboard the USS BON HOMME RICHARD, CV 31 in the Pacific and his ship was involved in operations right up until the invasion of Tokyo at the end of the war. He was extremely proud of his service and exemplified the definition of "The Greatest Generation." After his naval service, Luke attended college on the GI Bill. He graduated from Bethany College in Bethany, WV in 1950 with a degree in Psychology. He met his wife Marilyn at Bethany and they were married on August 12, 1950, in Hempstead, NY. Luke's working career spanned over forty years primarily in the medical sales industry. He accepted positions throughout the country in New York, New Jersey, Texas, and Kansas. Upon his retirement 1987, he managed a small General Contracting business in the Washington, DC area and in August of 1992, he fully retired in Aiken. He and his wife both loved Aiken and acquired many friends in the area. Luke was a true "handyman" and devoted many hours and days in support of the construction of the South Aiken Presbyterian Church's Family Life Center. He truly loved working with his hands and keeping things functional wherever his services were needed. He is survived by his daughter; Karen Patrick Burke, Aiken and three sons; Richard Kathy Lucas, Red Bank, NJ, Jeffrey Denise Lucas, West Lafayette, IN and Kenneth Nancy Lucas, Murata, CA. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. A private memorial service will be held in his honor at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to the Aiken Habitat for Humanity.