Michael J. Lucas, of Spanish Fork, Utah, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away unexpectedly on June 19, 2023 at the age of 82. He was known to just about everybody as “Drifter” – a nickname he loved to answer to. He was born December 22, 1940 in Spanish Fork, Utah, to Joseph Ford Lucas and Lily May Stebbins.
Drifter graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1959, and then served his country in the United States Air Force from 1959-1963, where he was honorably discharged. After his military service, he worked for Coca Cola Bottling Company in Ogden, Utah, then worked at Amoco oil refinery in Salt Lake City, Utah until he retired.
He married Vickie G. Raleigh, and had his children Michael Ford Lucas and Stacey Mass. They later divorced and he then married Jackie Frost.
Drifter loved his motorcycles, he loved the wind in his face, the weather was of little concern. 
His distinctive riding leathers, wallet chains, and the jingle of his spurs on his boots were his trademark. He also had a passion for reading and was particularly proud of his astounding collection. He also liked collecting guns, knives, and enjoyed talking to people as he was known as quite a storyteller.
He is survived by his son, Michael Ford (Brandi) Lucas, and by his daughter, Stacey Mass; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Also survived by his siblings: Elaine (Chuck) Cummins, Marlene (Ron) Baarz, and Karen (Paul-deceased) Hair. Preceded in death by his wife, Jackie Frost Lucas; his siblings, Ivan R. Lucas, Lamont Gingerich, Carol Ortiz, Janet Warden.
Funeral Service will be held Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660. Prior to the funeral service, there will be a viewing at the funeral home, where family and friends may gather from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Following the funeral, interment with military honors will be held at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery, 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660.
5 Condolences for “Drifter” Michael J. Lucas
Condolences(5)
Jenny says
June 21, 2023 at 6:32 pmDad, Drifter, Friend – from the time I met you at 16 years old and you handed me a turquoise and silver pin and said I do not know what is is about you but I just like you I knew I would have a lifelong friend and boy did I. Even after Mike and I divorced you said you weren’t going to just let go of me and you wanted me in your life, and you kept your promise! When we moved to Spanish Fork so Brenton could be closer to you and you loved having him there almost every single day. You called no matter what you needed and you would say “Ford, I have a project” It didn’t matter what it was he couldn’t wait to come help. You taught him the value of hard work, and working with your hands and wood, you showed him how to make almost anything with a little wood and patience, and you taught him that rye bread a hotdog and chili was a meal, and a good one in your opinion, it was okay to throw a frozen pork chop on the open fire (that was Jackie) but after it was cooked everyone said it was the best they had ever had, you taught him how to percolate coffee over the fire and showed him the meaning of a love of a grandfather. From building Danika a cradle the minute you found out she was going to be born to holding her hand on each and every hike we took, you made sure to show her that we don’t want to get near a rattle snake but we also don’t kill them, you had her and she was safe. You made sure she knew that no boy was worth her tears even though she shed a few. Each moment of their lives you wanted to be a part of it, and you were as much as possible. I am so grateful that I was a part of your life and honored you loved me the way you did. Thank you for giving me so much love, joy and laughter! My favorite memory is in Yellowstone when you had the bright idea to get a video of a buffalo, it the video you see these tiny little feet in cowboy boots go running as soon as he saw you…thanks for the memories you will be missed. I love you
Danielle says
June 22, 2023 at 11:04 pmDrifter was one of my favorite guest that would visit the Sunglow Cafe where I worked at the time. I loved to visit with him and hear stories about the military, about the unconventional friendships he’s had over the years, the love of his life with the beautiful red hair he is now reunited with, I heard many stories about his growing up and many times I was inspired by the description of the bookshelf he had made for his several hundred or more books he’s read throughout his time. I was blessed with the chance to see Drifter one last time a few months ago when he was again a guest at a different restaurant I was working at. There again, I was able to share in conversation with my friend. The happiness I felt to have had that chance!! Drifter was such an incredible person. His ability to befriend anyone and everyone was so fun to see!! He pulled up to restaurant, alone, on his motorcycle with the stuffed gorilla on the back….. But left having left an impression and a friendship with everyone who was there. You will be missed.
Sterling Johnson says
June 23, 2023 at 2:25 amGosh darn it! We will miss everything about you Bud (as Sterling would call him). Hard knowing you will not be pulling in the driveway and chatting with us on the porch. Rest In Paradise “DRIFTER” you are so deserving!
Ron Stamm says
June 23, 2023 at 6:45 pmGoing to really miss hanging with you at your house sharing good talk and good times. Your wit and wisdom will be missed. I hope the angels rev up their chariots of fire and hit the road with you.
LeRoy Laycock says
July 14, 2023 at 11:33 pmwell Mikey you did it but Mikey will try anything Just for my last time You know you’ll Always be DRIFTER to me. Sweet dream old friend see you soon
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