Obituary of Willie R. Lancaster

Willie “Pete” Lancaster, 77, of Niles, passed away at his residence on Thursday, August 16, 2018.

He was born in Duck Hill, Mississippi on March 25, 1941, to the late Willie “Buddy” and Clemie “Tim” (Harrison) Lancaster.  After graduating from high school Willie enlisted in the United States Air Force.  On February 22, 1964, at a ceremony on the McClelland Air Force Base, Willie married Leona Clark. Throughout their fifty-four years of marriage, they traveled to forty-nine of the fifty states, and all over Europe.  During his time in the Air Force Willie earned his Bachelor's of Arts Degree from Ole Miss and his Master’s Degree from the University of Maryland.  After 30 years in the service, he retired as a Chief Master Sergeant.

Willie thoroughly enjoyed his retirement.  He looked forward to golfing, fishing, mowing for friends and the community, barbequing, and always willing to lend a hand to anyone who was in need. Willie was a member of First Church of God in Niles, where he currently served as treasurer.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Leona “Lee” Lancaster.

Willie is survived by two sons, Joe D. (Tina) Lancaster of Grayling, Michigan and Terry L. (Tami) Lancaster of Franklin, Wisconsin; daughter-in-law, Deborah Lancaster; four grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren; siblings, Ann (Bill) Vance of Petit Jean Mountain, Arkansas and Ben Lancaster of Jackson, Mississippi.

A memorial service will be held at the Niles First Church of God, 33180 US 12, on Saturday, August 25, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Robert Jackson officiating, a time of visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Full military honors will be performed by the U.S. Air Force and American Legion Post 51, at an interment at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Willie may do so to the Niles First Church of God or the American Legion Post 51 in Buchanan.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for Willie at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com