Barbara Jean Lucas

Barbara J. “Barb” Lucas, 81, of Dowagiac, passed away on Friday, January 22, 2021, at her home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 2:00PM at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, with Fr. Russell Homic Officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday from 1:00PM until the time of service. Memorial contributions in Barb’s name may be made to Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Barb was born June 5, 1939, to James and Ethel (Kendrick) Gravit in Black Rock, Ark. On January 18, 1957, she married the love of her life, Ernest Lucas in South Bend. Barb was known as a hard worker, she worked for Consolidated Die Cast which later became Contech Casting for over 23 years. Barb was a home health aid for a short time then worked for Cass County Medical Facility for 12 years before retiring at the age of 65. In her younger years she loved fishing and mushroom hunting. Later in life she enjoyed reading in her spare time and spending time with her family. Barb is survived by her children, Timothy Lucas of Goshen and Karen (William) Batchlor of Dowagiac; brother Sherman Toppings and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Lucas; her parents; and siblings, Mary Forestieri, Robert Toppings and Charles Toppings.