Robert Lancaster

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Robert Olan Lancaster, 70, formerly of East Prairie, died Sept. 17, 2007, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

He was born Oct. 7, 1936, and raised by his late grandparents, Rolan and Gladys Lancaster of East Prairie.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Jean (Hubbard) Lancaster, of 48 years, together with their son Rodney and his wife, Aya and grandson, Robert (Bobby) Makino Lancaster of Osaka, Japan; two brothers, Ronnie Holcomb (Julie) of Marion, Ind. and Malcolm Hoffman (Ann) of Jonesboro, Ark.; two sisters, Faye Anderson (Bob) of Simi Valley, Calif. and Darlene Goodman (Roy) of Jonesboro; and an aunt, Dortha Smith (Bill) of Central Point, Ore.

In addition to his grandparents, he was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Vivian Hoffman; and five aunts with whom he was also raised.

Robert served in the United States Navy from 1954-1958. He retired in 1988 from maintenance at Rockwood Schools in St. Louis County due to heart problems and received a heart transplant in 1992. Robert enjoyed several hobbies during his retirement years, including creating small wooden carvings, learning to play the banjo and other stringed instruments. He and his wife enjoyed doing magic shows to promote organ donations and Christianity.

Robert attended the Cape County Cowboy Church in Fruitland.

Visitation is scheduled from noon until for service at 3 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Funeral Home on Mt. Auburn Road. The Revs. Mike Huffman and Luther Rhodes will officiate.

There will be a graveside committal at 5 p.m., and burial will follow in the Dogwood Cemetery near East Prairie.

Pallbearers will be: Kenny Sneathem, Chris Cannon, Leo Martin, Mutt Williams, Ed Whitham and Michael Summers.

Memorial contributions

may be made to:

Mid America Transplant

1139 Olivette Executive Parkway

St. Louis, MO 63132

or

American Cancer Society

(Hope Lodge - St. Louis)

4215 Lindell Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63108

or

East Prairie Alumni Association

P.O. Box 206

East Prairie, MO 63845

or

charity of the donor's choice