Lucas Scott Brandon

February 27, 1998 - July 20, 2021

Lucas Scott Brandon Lucas Scott Brandon, 23, of Tallahassee, lost his life in a tragic traffic accident on July 20, 2021. Lucas was born on February 27, 1998, in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up primarily in Panama City Beach, Florida, and moved to Tallahassee to attend Florida State University. Lucas was a man of God. He was a devout Christian and theologian. He was brilliant. From a very young age and throughout his life, Lucas displayed the creative, artistic, acting, writing, and singing talents given to him by God. He was the kind of kid that everyone loved. His parents, Elle and David Haight, describe him as a perfect child. Kind, sweet, loving, compassionate, and caring. Most who were lucky to have the opportunity to know him, would say the same. When he was born, God gave Lucas the natural gifts of being an artist, a writer, an actor, and a theologian. He began exhibiting those talents by the early age of three and used them to the fullest extent, throughout his time here on earth. Following high school, Lucas earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Religion from Florida State University. He was preparing to begin his Ph.D. program at the time of his passing. He aspired to be a teacher his whole life. He accomplished that goal, not only as a professor at FSU, but throughout his entire life. He taught his friends, his fellow students, and even his teachers. Although his level of intellect could be somewhat intimidating at times, his kind personality and care for others made him an amazing young man who was respected by all. Lucas also spent his life pursuing his love for religion. From a very early age all he ever wanted for Christmas and his birthday were bibles, books about the Bible, Bible stories, videos about the Bible, and anything else that would allow him to learn more about the Bible. It was common for Lucas to leave church talking about how something said during the sermon was not correct, and to give his explanation for why. He often attended Bradfordville Baptist Church with his parents who are members there. Lucas was the perfect child that God gave to Elle and David. He had a heart of gold. He was always a very sweet child, who loved to spend time with his family. He was compassionate and caring. Anyone who ever met Lucas loved him. Lucas was a Christian, an author, an artist, and a professor at FSU. It has been so comforting for Elle and David to hear from so many following the loss of Lucas, about what an impact he had on their lives. It is easy to see that he had such a positive impact on so many, a relationship with God that he loved to share with others, a high level of intellect, and an artistic and creative mind that was matched by few. A small sampling of the remarks include: “I can’t express how deeply he is missed and loved, nor how deeply he will always be missed and loved. He was an extraordinary person with a compassionate heart. His sincerity was genuine, and his faith was unwavering. As a highly gifted individual, Lucas’ talents, ranging from art, writing, acting, and singing were supreme. Without fail, he would teach me something new or bring a smile to my face. Like a little brother to me, we shared many amazing memories growing up together and throughout our 20s. Both of us being only children, we really enjoyed having one another. Countless laughs, adventures, holidays, birthdays, beach days, movie nights, theme parks, and so much more . . . I can’t believe you’re gone. An angel taken away far too soon. I love you forever.” ~ Sara Katharine Creamer, first cousin and best buddy “Lucas made me a better teacher. When Lucas was elementary age Elle, remember you would drop him off at Children’s Church on Sunday mornings. There was a big white board in the room, and I would always have colored dry erase markers available. I would tell him what Scripture I was teaching that day, “Lucas, I am teaching about Balaam, the donkey, and the angel.” He would draw that scene from the story on the white board. All from his imagination. Donkey, rocks, angel, and all. I am not talking about stick figures. These drawings were incredible! They could have been published. His drawings brought stories to life. The children were always mesmerized! . . . I can honestly say, that in all my years of ministry, Lucas is the only kid who ever challenged me when I taught the Bible. . . I had no idea what his IQ was, but I promise you, it was high! . . . Lucas made me a better person, kept me on my toes, made me smarter, more compassionate and was always present in my prayers. I am very thankful for my time with him and am looking forward to more, very intellectual conversations when I see him in heaven.” ~ Misty Hicks, Children’s Minister and Mentor “This letter is to recommend that Lucas Brandon be accepted into your graduate program. I’ve known Lucas since 2013 as his teacher, drama director, Bible Study leader, and professor. I’ve been privy to his diligence, his kindness, his incredible creativity, his ridiculous talent and his brilliance. He is, indeed, a gifted artist, actor and scholar, an asset to any situation in which he is thrust whether academic, social or creative. Honestly, I’m humbled by being asked to write this letter. As an actor and artist, Lucas brought to every rehearsal an intensity of purpose combined with a willingness to be directed, which is not often the case with a student actor of his remarkable talent. He was always willing to help in any way he could, painting fabulous backdrops that were works of art on their own. Lucas has approached every class in which I’ve taught him as a scholar, intent on applying his all to discovering the meat of the teaching, and then doing research to back up his hunches. He consistently brings scholarly insight into both verbal and written class discussions, always supporting his assertions with source material, whether necessary or not. He is adept at combining his scholarship with creativity. One of his many fabulous class projects stands out to me. In a 3000-level literature class, he was asked to recreate the feeling of a meal from one of the books read in class. He chose The Red Tent, and not only did he recreate an entire authentic meal, he served it to us on a blanket spread on the classroom floor, using pita as our utensil, giving us an intriguing story about the origin of each of the dishes, and singing to us in Hebrew as we ate. It was one of the most beautiful, most memorable projects I’ve ever had the privilege of being presented. His classmates were equally delighted and mesmerized by the joy with which he shared, and his incredible scholarship in the sharing. At our weekly Bible Study, Lucas is our walking encyclopedia of insight into the source documents, the historical background, and the etymology of any word we might be struggling over. He reads the Old Testament to us in Hebrew and the NT in Greek. He is never pedantic, though he has every right and reason to be. Instead, his scholarship is cheerful and engaging. He mesmerized us with his translation, notes and illustrations of the nativity narrative during Advent, and when he stopped reading and explaining, we weren’t ready for him to stop. I regard Lucas Brandon as the best student I’ve ever had the privilege of teaching, and I can’t imagine a student more valuable to your program.” ~ Milinda Jay Stephenson, Ph.D. FSU PC “Well where do I start. Kindergarten with Caitlyn Benedik. Shy, quiet, reserved, and so adorable! That same year he moved to 1st grade with Stephen Benedik. Brilliant from Day 1! We watched him grow over the years and share his amazing ability to bring the scriptures and sermons to life on a whiteboard thru drawing. Lucas always sweet and shy grew into such a funny outgoing young man. I was blessed to watch him on stage at the Martin theatre as that once shy boy outshined his more mature cast members. He will always live in my heart as a bright and shining star who gave us a beautiful example of Christ through his gifting and his way of life. Elle and Dave thank you for always opening your home to our children and sharing Lucas with us all!” ~ Stacy Thomas “I don’t even know where to begin. One of my good friends. God actually had him on my mind the day of the accident. All the days we used to spend swimming and me admiring watching him draw. He was so talented, and we always found ways to laugh. I got into Greek mythology because of him. I found my love for art and creativity because of those afternoons of him trying to teach me how to draw. We didn’t need any crazy scenery, but we always found ways to have adventures and create memories. Thank you for sharing your son with me. I love him and will carry his spirit with me every day going forward.” ~ Caitlyn Benedict, a friend since they were young children. “I wanted to reach out & share with you some of my memories of your precious & much loved Lucas. I met Lucas when you brought him into my second grade classroom at Hutchison Beach Elementary. I wasn’t sure what to expect since I only knew that even though he was very bright, he was only 6 or was it 5? I just remember it being a huge leap for him to be in second grade. I appreciated & respected how you were being Lucas’s Mom & advocate for him. I can still see his little face when we first met. I was struck by this beautiful blonde haired little guy. He was such a cutie. I fell in love with him immediately & his devoted Mom. I have a vivid early memory of the first time Lucas brought in a booklet of a few pages stapled together. I was often blessed with sweet drawings and pictures from students, usually a heart, dog, flower etc. I know you can just imagine the shocked & amazed look on my face when Lucas showed me his. This was not a simple stick drawing. It looked like an illustration out of a book with every detail so perfect. It was a Bible story too! It was incredible & I was speechless. Did he actually draw this? Yes, yes he did! He wanted to share his drawings & stories with the other boys & girls & being the polite, kind & well-behaved little guy he was, asked if it was okay. Of course the answer was yes. Lucas would go on to create many more such drawings and share them with me & his classmates. They would gather around him to see his drawings & hear the stories. They loved his drawings & the Bible stories. We all did! What a gift & a blessing he was to us. Even at that age he was sharing the message of our Heavenly Father. He was fulfilling a purpose & a plan to tell others about God. I can only imagine the great things Lucas has accomplished to glorify his Heavenly Father. I know Lucas’s life has brought joy, peace & happiness to everyone who knew him. I know he loved & adored you, Elle. You were his biggest champion & encourager! He knew you loved him & that love gave him the confidence & example to show love to others. I loved your little guy. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of his precious life. It is an honor & a blessing. I’d love to hear, whenever you are ready, all about Lucas’s journey.” ~ Ruth Martin, 2nd Grade Teacher “ . . . Mrs. Haight, Lucas is a very dear friend of mine – we shared many classes and our office together at FSU. . . I have no words that can comfort your grief. I just wanted you to know how much we all LOVE and ADORE Lucas here in his graduate program. He is the kindest person I have ever met, and he has taught me SO MUCH. He is beyond talented and smart as a whip. He was . . the best in the program (despite being the youngest!) and we all knew it. . . I just wanted you to know how bright his light was to us. He talked about you often and loved you more than anything. . . I will carry his light and laugh with me always.” ~ Jessica, Religion Dept. “ . . . Once Lucas had entered my life, there wasn’t a single day where he wasn’t an integral part of it. He constantly encouraged me to push my boundaries and strive to become a better person. He was also there to remind me to treat myself with love and patience. . . Lucas always went out of his way to take care of others. He was the type of person who would come over and cook dinner if he found out you hadn’t eaten all day. . . or be your study partner even though there was no way he needed the extra help … but that was Lucas just being Lucas . . I feel so fortunate that I was able to experience as much as I did with him in such a short amount of time . . . ‘Lucas, I think I rolled a Nat 20 in this life because I got to call you my friend.” ~ Jessica, Greek Group friend There is no doubt that Lucas left this earth far too soon. But his parents find comfort in knowing this: Lucas Scott Brandon touched the lives of more people in his short lifetime, than most others do that live into much later years. There is also no doubt that Lucas is now with his “Tribe,” sitting and talking to Jesus, Moses, Paul and all the others he came to know in his intense study of the bible beginning when he was 3 years old. He is right where he is meant to be. Lucas is survived by his parents, David Michael Haight and Elle B. Haight; his stepbrothers Michael Haight and Matthew Haight; his best buddy and cousin Sara Katharine Creamer; his special Aunt Honey; his aunts and uncles, Clark and Julie Creamer, Scotty and Pat Brandon, and Dave and Jennelle Brandon; cousins Lane Brandon Blanford, Jennifer Brandon Hall, and Corey Brandon; on his Father’s side he has Uncles Robert, Karl and William; Aunts Christine, Katherine, Karen, and Barbara; and numerous other aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends. Lucas was preceded in death by his cousin Scott Brandon and his grandmother Sara Nichols Brandon. A celebration of the amazing life of Lucas Brandon will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, if you would like, you can donate to the nonprofit “The Bible Project” which Lucas has supported for years! Here is the link. https://bibleproject.com/give/ The family is being assisted by Skip Young and cared for by Jackie Fulford of Young Fulford Funeral Home and Crematory, Tallahassee, Florida. 850.610.4444 YoungFulford.com