Rodney Lynn Lucas

Rodney L. Lucas was born in Houston, Texas to music industry executive John Lucas and Mae Jewel Lucas. Rodney and his family moved to Austin, Texas, on July 18, 1971, where Rodney graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School and Austin Community College. Rodney relocated to Los Angeles in 1987 and soon met his future husband, Timothy Mertes, while on a camping trip to the Tehachapi Mountains of California. They had their first date a week later at El Coyote Mexican restaurant and were inseparable ever since. Each July 18th they would return to El Coyote to celebrate the anniversary of their first date. It was also the site of Timothy's marriage proposal to Rodney. This coming July 18th would have marked their 29th year together.

Rodney enjoyed people and made many life-long friends. Some of these friendships started as professional relationships while holding key management positions at prestigious Los Angeles law firms, including Biren Katzman and Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein. Rodney was also the personal assistant to recording artist Courtney Love for three years. Last year, Rodney started his own business, LMG Antiques in Pasadena, California, where he was able to share his love of antiques and design with the public. Rodney had an eye for color and textures as displayed in his Los Angeles home.

Rodney loved to travel and he and Timothy explored the globe together. Anyone who knew Rodney loved him. His infectious laugh, his quick humor, and compassion for others appealed to everyone. Rodney loved music and loved to sing. The world is a little less joyful because of his passing.

Rodney is survived by his husband Timothy Mertes, his brothers Wayne Lucas (Ruth), Ted Lucas (Carmen), and John Lucas (Jennifer). Rodney was also blessed with many cousins, nieces, nephews and life-long friends: Michael Kilgore (Daniela), Larry Greer, Eugene Greer, Tammy McCutchen (Jeremy), Angel Lucas, Rickey Lucas, Shirlina Feuquay, Brittani Lucas, Brice McCutchen, Cameron Lucas, Kelsey, Kiel, Kassadi, and Kendall Lucas, Karen Chacon, and many great nieces and nephews. Rodney's extended family through marriage include: mother-in-law and father-in-law Sherrill Littlefawn and Tony GarzaPeña, grandfather- In-law, Jack Hurst (Lupita), aunt-in-law Deanne Hurst, sisters-in-law Debbie Gunter (Dallas) and Cindy Shank (Gregg), nieces Carrie Auwarter, Amanda Auwarter, and Cammi Harding, and nephew Coty Shank. Last but not least, Rodney will be greatly missed by his two beloved dogs, Sophie and Stoli.

Rodney was preceded in death by his father John Lucas, mother Mae Jewell Westerhoff, brothers Ricky Lucas and Stacy Lucas, nephew Bubba Lucas, Timothy's father Anthony Mertes, Timothy's grandmother Vera Louise Hurst, aunt Jacque Hurst, and special friends Sophie Poster, Michael Kilgore, and Catherine Kilgore.