Linda Hill Lucas

Linda is survived by her son, Mark (Colleen) Lucas; her sister, Diana (Jeff) Silva; her grandchildren, Megan and Cameron Lucas; her nieces, Tonia Hill, Ashley Silva, Denise Evans, Frances Grant, Karen Martin, and Julia Owens; and her nephews, Jep Hill III, Rock Powell, Brad, Kevin, and Dewey Porter, and Andrew Silva. She was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Lucas; her parents, Orlyne and Jeptha P. “Jep” Hill, Sr.; her brother, Jep Hill, Jr. (Valeria); and her sister, Alicia (Dewey) Porter.

Born in Louisiana, Linda grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, and graduated from W. B. Ray High School, where she excelled in English, government, and history. Under the tutelage of her English teacher, Dr. Robert Steiner, her love of literature and critical thinking blossomed. Literature ignited Linda’s interest in a more cosmopolitan existence and fueled her resolve to pursue it.

She had many friends in high school and always looked forward to opportunities to socialize, especially to play cards. Her favorite game was Bridge. Influenced by her parents’ weekly Bridge game and deeming there was considerable skill involved in it, she decided to teach herself how to play. Armed with a deck of cards, a Charles Goren reference guide, and a clear living room floor, she practiced by herself and then taught her girlfriends. Thus, was born the first of many Bridge groups in which she would participate throughout her life.

Linda began her college studies locally at Del Mar College, all the while yearning to experience life beyond the Coastal Bend. During this time, she met the love of her life, Lt. (j.g.) John Wesley Lucas, a Navy midshipman in pilot training at CC Naval Air Station. John’s North Carolina charm, along with his aviator savvy and dress whites, swept Linda up into a larger world that she had been longing to know. She and John were married on July 31, 1966, launching what would become a 52-year union.

Her first stop as a young wife of a newly-commissioned Naval aviator was Barber’s Point, HI, the perfect location for an extended honeymoon. She and John relished the natural beauty of the island and made many friends, some lifelong, during their stay. Linda completed her Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature at the University of Hawaii.

From a tropical Pacific paradise location, a few years later, Linda and John headed to the next assignment, a frigid North Atlantic Naval base in Keflavik, Iceland. Linda met this dramatic change with awe and curiosity as she and John absorbed the sights of Iceland and nearby Nordic countries. The highlight of the Icelandic tour was the birth of their precious son, Mark, who, as an infant, accompanied his parents on jaunts to various European locales.

Naval retirement and a return to civilian life, brought Linda and family stateside. As wife of a commercial pilot now and mother of an active young son, she had several addresses over the years thanks to the airlines -- from Texas, to Virginia, to Maryland, and ultimately to Venice, Florida, where she and John retired and lived for more than 35 years. During that time, Linda forged many friendships; was a board member of her HOA; taught English at the high school; played Bridge; enjoyed John’s fishing boat; entertained numerous visitors; and survived several hurricanes. After John passed away, she decided to move to Austin, Texas, to be closer to family, who rejoiced in this decision.

Linda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and teacher. She was loved and appreciated for her intellect, sharp wit, astute observations of the world around her, and her ability to counsel family and friends during their times of need. Always strong-willed and determined, she will be greatly missed by all. May her legacy live on in all of us touched by her life.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church, 1004 North Mays Street, Round Rock, Texas 78664.

Please feel free to make a donation in Linda’s name to your local food bank or your preferred charity.