Launcelot “Lanny” Stephen Lucas, 77, of Franklin, NC died Thursday October 1, 2015 in Asheville, NC, from complications resulting from multiple myeloma.

Born September 27, 1938 in Tarentum, PA, he is preceded in death by his father, Stephen J. Lucas and his mother, Violet Wienskovich Lucas Baccanti, and by his beloved Aunt and Uncle, Celia and Espy Bowser. He was a graduate of West Deer High School and attended technical school where he learned drafting. He resided in West Deer Township until 1974 when he and his family relocated to DeLand, FL. In 2008 he and his family moved to Franklin, NC.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Bette Ann Cartledge Lucas ; two children, Lauren Lucas Cody and Daniel S. Lucas, both of Franklin, NC; a granddaughter, Jessica L. Cody and a great-grandson, Lucas Wyatt Cody and much extended family in southwestern PA.

Lanny was a retired business owner, launching many successful businesses in his lifetime; he was one of the founding owners of D.L.K Auto Parts in Russellton, PA and later he and his wife founded and operated Lucas Auto Parts in DeLand, FL. After the sale of that business, he opened an RC Hobby Shop, Lucas Hobbies in DeLand as well as other small businesses. Prior to D.L.K Auto Parts, he managed several Freedman’s Lumber Yards including the Russellton, PA location until it was lost to fire in 1972. His work at Freedman’s is an occupation he often described as his favorite.

In his younger days, Lanny greatly enjoyed flying small airplanes. Later, he became a keen radio control aircraft enthusiast, taking great enjoyment in building and flying giant-scale RC aircraft. He served as Secretary and then President of the DeLand Radio Control Club for many years and was one of the founders of International Jets Over DeLand and the DeLand Festival of Giants RC events. In his final months of life, Lanny worked diligently to build an RC airplane with and for his great-grandson, Lucas. Lanny was also a talented craftsman who enjoyed woodworking and built most of the homes he and his family resided in. More than anything, he was a greatly loved and cherished husband, father and grandfather who will be forever missed. Extended family and friends remember him for his very original wit and sense of humor, his love of family and his love of old family recipes and cooking.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date in Pennsylvania.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.