|
Long-time
Mt. Pulaski resident was installed as
Joe Lucas was installed as the 90th Potentate of Ansar
Shrine at the Shrine Center in Springfield on Sunday, January 18,
2004. He succeeded Sir
Verlin Hibbs. Joe was appointed Outer Guard by
Illustrious Sir Derek McKinney in 1996. Joe most recently served as
High Priest and Prophet for the Ansar Shrine #136. Joe has held
numerous Mason and Shriner positions over the years. He has served
seven terms as Eminent Commander in the Mt. Pulaski Commandery 39. He is
a member of Saxa Ruba Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine and a
dual member of St. Edwards Conclave. Joe also holds a life
membership in the Decatur Council 16, the Past Worthy Patron of Mt.
Pulaski Eastern Star, Society of Rosicrucians Illinois College and many
other Masonic Joe is a former Air Force Pilot. He reached
the rank of Colonel before retiring from the 183rd Fighter Wing of the
Illinois National Guard in 1977. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in
the U.S. Air Force in 1955, upon his graduation from Iowa State
University. He returned to Mt. Pulaski from active duty in 1959,
to start farming the following year. He retired from farming in
1994. During this time, Joe had been called back to active
duty several times. He served as commander of the 170th Fighter
Squadron at one time. He has served as a flight instructor and
test pilot and holds a lifetime commercial pilot's rating. |
