Robert LeRoy Lucus

Wasilla resident, Robert LeRoy Lucus, 77, died June 4, 2007, at Providence Extended Care. A service will take place at 4 p.m. June 17 at Wasilla Assembly of God, 125 West Riley. Rev. Todd Stafford will officiate.

Lucus was born May 5, 1930, in Monterey, Calif. He became a resident of Alaska in 1947 and graduated from Palmer High School in 1948. Lucus went on to become a gunnery sergeant in the U.S. Army.

As a young man, Lucus was a member of Labor's Local 341 where he worked on the ferry dock in Seward, the dam in Ekultna, some of the bridges on the Parks Highway, the NIKE site on Knik Road, plus several other major construction projects in Alaska. In 1965 he started Lucus Equipment, which included car mechanics, a wrecking yard, wrecker operation, dirt work and house moving. He retired in 2001.

Lucus was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Pioneers of Alaska and a charter member of Wasilla Lion's Club. He was a charter member of the Wasilla Volunteer Fire Department, started the Wasilla Volunteer Ambulance Service, was an emergency medical technician, served several terms as a Wasilla city councilman, served on the Wasilla Fire Department Board of Supervisors and served on the Valley Hospital Board of Directors.

Lucus enjoyed flying, fishing, traveling and his family. His word was his bond and his handshake a contract. He was always there to give a helping hand to people who needed it. He was a good, caring man and he was larger than life. His family, friends and the Valley have lost a very important part of the themselves and he will be missed by many.

Lucus is survived by daughters Susan Cocklin and Sherry Lucus, both of Anchorage; son Donald Lucus of Wasilla; stepsons Howard Kelly of Wasilla, John Kelly of Florida, Craig Kelly of Anchor Point and Shawn Grimes of Wasilla; two brothers, Richard and James Lucus; two sisters, Vicky Rothenberger and Dee Dee DeMasters; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Aileen Corning; father Roy Lucus; stepmother Dorothy Lucus; brother Roy Lucus; sons Kerry and Duane Lucus; first wife Vaunda Lucus; second wife Audrey Lucus; and companion of 10 years Judy Timmins.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1057 W. Fireweed, Anchorage, AK 99503 or the American Diabetes Association, 801 Fireweed No. 103, Anchorage, AK 99503.

Arrangements were provided by Kehl's Forest Lawn Mortuary and Crematory.

Harley Waldrop

Harley Waldrop, 63, died June 9, 2007, in Palmer, Alaska.

A memorial service will be held June 17 at Anchor Point Beach at noonish. Call 299-0788 for more information.

Waldrop was born Nov. 5, 1943, in North Carolina, where he graduated from college. In 1994 he moved to Anchor Point. He was a member of the Pioneers of Alaska and enjoyed John Deere tractors, hunting, fishing and being ornery, but was a good friend.

His family thanks those that were there for Waldrop, especially in his last days. He was a man who liked living, not just existing.

Waldrop is survived by daughter Gene Marie Gentry of Denison, Texas; granddaughter Ashley Raven Gentry of Denison; and ex-wife Carole Ann Wilkerson of Friona, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents.

His ashes will be scattered in Anchor Point out in the ocean. If there are any questions, please call 299-0799 and ask for Gene or Helen.

Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla

Wayne Richard Irion

Wayne Richard Irion, 62, died on June 10, 2007, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer. A full obituary announcing services will be published in July.