Remembering Forrest Lucas, Visionary Founder of Lucas Oil
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.—Forrest Lucas, husband, father, grandfather and the pioneering self-made businessman, philanthropist, and founder of Lucas Oil passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025 at the age of 83.
Born in 1942 in Ramsey, Indiana, Forrest’s journey from a modest upbringing to transformative business leader is a testament to his vision, determination, commitment to honesty and integrity in all his dealings. He learned the value of hard work and self-reliance from an early age when he took on caring for his family's fourth generation farm. The lesson Forrest taught those around him was “it doesn’t cost anything to be nice.” Always ingraining this lasting lesson to his family and employees.
In 1964, he purchased his first semi-truck and hauled freight across the country. Soon he invested in a fleet of trucks and began experimenting with oils, lubricants and additives to find the most cost effective solutions to cover more miles and avoid mechanical failures. Driven by resourcefulness and an inventive mind, he founded Lucas Oil alongside his wife Charlotte in 1989. The company specialized in oils and fuel treatments for the truck industry but soon grew to include almost any machine with an engine or moving part. Under his leadership, Lucas Oil grew into one of America’s most respected and loved brands, known for its groundbreaking advancements in automotive high performance lubricants and additives.
While he invested in numerous successful businesses throughout his lifetime, the Lucas Ranch is where Forrest truly enjoyed spending his time. His love for agriculture, the ranch, and the beauty of the land is what those who knew him best remember as his source of peace and tranquility.
Forrest was a generous philanthropist, supporting educational initiatives, agricultural conservation, and community development projects across the country. Over the years, he was recognized with numerous honors for his business achievements, philanthropic work and contributions to motorsports and agriculture. These included two Sagamore of the Wabash awards, the NHRA Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, the Bob Russo Heritage Award from the Motorsports Hall of Fame America, the Earl Baltes Award from the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame, and the Veritas Award from American Agri-Women.
Forrest is survived by: his wife, Charlotte; his children, Dwayne Lucas, Mike (Genny) Lucas, Kathy (Gary) Bowling and Morgan (Katie) Lucas; his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and his sisters Carol (Larry) Cummins, Connie Jo Schooler and Brenda Harris. Forrest was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Marie Lucas; children, Greg Lucas and Tammy Vanlaningham and step-son Bobby Lucas.
Forrest Lucas’ legacy lives on through the company he built, the lives he touched, and the enduring impact of his visionary leadership on American industry.
The Lucas Family will hold a private invite only celebration of life and visitation to remember their beloved husband, father, and grandfather. In Forrest's memory, memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Ascension St. Vincent Foundation to support Lucas Family Brain & Spine Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent. Donations can be made online at give.stvincent.org/brainandspine, or sent to the Ascension St. Vincent Foundation, 250 West 96th Street, Suite 470, Indianapolis, IN 46260.
Gehlbach & Royse Funeral Home has been trusted with the care of services.
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