Dr. Gene A. Lucas

Dr. Gene A. Lucas, 95, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2024, in Des Moines. He was born on October 15, 1928, to Cecil and Helga (Andreasen) Lucas in Des Moines, Iowa.

He retired from Drake University in 1996 where he taught biology, genetics and anatomy and histology to nursing students. Almost by accident he became interested in bettas after a childhood interest in raising and breeding pigeons when a foundling name Skippy came into his life.

Founder of International Betta Congress, he became known worldwide as the foremost betta authority. He was happy to point out he was the only one.

His love of bettas led to many overseas trips to Hong Kong, Thailand, Viet Nam, Borneo, Australia, Bali, Abu Dabi as well as much of Europe researching, collecting specimens and making friends and colleagues along the way. His Danish roots spurred a trip to the old sod in Denmark with his mother.

His early life was marked by a love of swimming, diving and life guarding at Birdland Pool, as well as synchronized swimming.

He and his late wife JoAnne shared a passion for racehorses starting with a honeymoon to Calumet Farms in Kentucky to see Citation, the 1948 Triple Crown winner. This interest was lifelong, concluding with the ownership of several racehorses.

He bowled in a league until late last year and was affectionately known as the “oldest bowler.”

He and his wife Jean belonged to a writer’s group for 10 years where he was honing his autobiography and life review.

He also had a lifelong interest in scouting, first as an Eagle Scout, then a Sea Scout that he continued as a leader for many years.

He met several astronauts including John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, and Chuck Yaeger. He took flying lessons and served with the Iowa Aviation Association.

He was a veteran of WWII and served two tours in Korea. Thanks to the GI bill he started his lifelong love of learning–including an early stint at Cummings School of Art.

Gene is survived by his wife, Jean Lucas; children, Candee Lucas (Jason Williams), Cindee (Mike) Moyer, and Christee Lee; step-son, Mike (Ann Kochara) Balser; siblings, Mary Kalberg and Dale Lucas; 8 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, JoAnne; and great-grandchild, Katelyn.

Family will greet guests on Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines, Iowa. Service will follow at 2:00 p.m. also at the funeral home. Gene will be laid to rest at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 14, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Planned Parenthood or the Harris/Walz campaign in loving memory of Gene.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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