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INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) –Gov. Mike Braun honored late businessman and philanthropist Forrest Lucas with the 2025 Sachem Award on Thursday. The Sachem Award is the state’s highest honor, presented annually to a person who has significantly shaped Indiana through exceptional character, leadership and service.
The posthumous award was accepted by Lucas’s wife Charlotte, son Morgan Lucas, who is the current CEO of Lucas Oil and his wife Katie Lucas, who serves as the company’s president.
“Forrest Lucas exemplified what it means to be a Hoosier,” Braun said, highlighting Lucas’ remarkable journey as a self-made entrepreneur and his lasting impact on the state.
Lucas, who died in August at age 83, was born in 1942 on a small family farm in Elkinsville. He began his career as a truck driver and bought his first semitruck at age 21. As an owner-operator, Lucas expanded his operations, ultimately becoming the first American to secure full 48-state operating authority to haul freight across the country.
In 1989, Forrest and Charlotte Lucas founded Lucas Oil, driven by a need for a better lubricant for their trucks. Today, Lucas Oil sells more than 100 different lubricants and has grown into an international company.
Lucas was instrumental in promoting Indiana as the Racing Capital of the World, supporting various racing events and teams over the years. He also played a key role in the development of the Indianapolis Colts’ stadium, whi...
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