Karen Lucas died in a post surgical rehabilitation facility on September 29th at the age of

  74. Ms. Lucas born on May 20th, 1941 and was the eldest of six children. Her parents Leland and Mary Katharine Buckles preceded her in death. She is survived by her son Scott Alan Crabtree (Kansas City, MO) and daughter Lynn Ellen Crabtree (Charlotte, NC). She is also survived by her siblings Robert Buckles (Charlotte) of Forked River, NJ, Kenneth Buckles (Mary) of Mt. Pulaski, IL, Neil Buckles (Coral) of St. Charles, IL, Katharine Catton (Ron) of Bradenton, FL and Janet Tuchscherer (Fred) of McHenry, IL.

Karen was born and raised on a farm south of Latham, IL. She graduated from Warrensburg-Latham High School in 1959 and earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Illinois in 1963.

Karen had many talents including music, art and athletics. She was an avid tennis player and ballroom dancer in her later years. She pursued careers in medical technology, real estate and owned her own janitorial and property management companies.

Karen left the Midwest in 1984 to relocate to southern California. At that time she changed her name to Lucas in honor of her beloved mother.

The family is planning a 10 AM Visitation, 11 AM Service and Noon Dinner at the Latham, IL United Methodist Church (241 N. Walnut St.) on Saturday, May 21st, 2016. You can view her online memorial at https://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/KarenLeeBuckles-Lucas/homepage.aspx . Memorial donations will be given to the Latham UMC.