Tom J. Lancaster

Tom grew up in Stuttgart and Wynne Arkansas, and graduated from Wynne High school in 1967. Tom felt the call to serve his country and joined the Marine Corps. soon after.

Tom served in the Marine Corps. during Vietnam, before suffering an injury that resulted in in him retiring in 1969. He received the following service awards during his time in the Marines: Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross Color, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Actions Color (First Class), and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

In the 80’s, Tom moved from AR. To Houston Texas, where he was a letter carrier, before being promoted to supervisor. While in Houston, he met and married his wife, Sharon. They had one child together, Traci. Tom retired from the Post Office in the 90’s. In 2000, the family moved from Houston to San Antonio.

Tom was an active member of the First Marine Division, a San Antonio veteran’s combat group, and Friendship Church. There was a yearly tradition with Friendship church that Tom would be a shepherd in the annual Christmas program. He was a representative of Veterans Affairs in AR, and was part of the AR DEA, as well. Tom loved the outdoors and couldn’t be cooped up. Whether it was mowing his lawn, a weekly tradition for him, or going on long car rides to new places, Tom loved to be outside. When he couldn’t escape outside, he was a collector. Marine memorabilia was his favorite. He also enjoyed rolling coins. Sarge and Sadie, his dogs, were his deeply loved companions and he adored his youngest grandchild, Victoria.

Tom is preceded in passing by his parents, Clarence and Margaret Lancaster, and brothers Billy and Gene Lancaster.

Survived by his wife of 30 years, Sharon Lancaster, his sister, Peggy Thomson, his children: Traci (Zach) Lawhon, Tonya (Shon) Foreman, Ty Lancaster, Laura Avary, and Jesse (Melissa) Burke; 9 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and many other friends and family members.

A memorial service for Tom will be held Friday, September 23, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218. Following the memorial service will be a committal service from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com for the Lancaster family.