CWO3 William E. Lancaster

CWO3 William E. Lancaster, age 83, resident of Phenix City, Alabama, passed away on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Columbus Hospice House. Graveside services will be held at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, Fort Mitchell, Alabama, on March 14, 2019 at 2p.m. (EST) according to Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Phenix City, Alabama.

Mr. Lancaster, son of the late Lesley Lancaster and Lorene Frame Lancaster, was born October 29, 1935 in Gassaway, West Virginia. He was retired from the U.S. Army where he served his country honorably for over 21 years in the U.S. Army. During his distinguished military career he served duty in Vietnam and was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Silver Star,Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, and Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device. Mr. Lancaster was also awarded several other medals and ribbons to include the Distinguished Flying Cross; Air Medal 1-16th Award; Bronze Star; Army Commendation Medal; and Sharpshooter Badge.

After his retirement from the military, he worked in the family Heating and Air Conditioning business for over 10 years. He then returned back to the military mission where he was a Helicopter Pilot trainer for over 11 years with Civil Service. Finally, to end his working career he worked at Walmart.

Mr. Lancaster loved to fly helicopters for many years; took up golf and spent many enjoyable rounds on the golf course; and was seen by others as a gentleman who lived a simple and humble life.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, John Lancaster and Blaine Lancaster. Mr. Lancaster is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sue Lancaster of Phenix City, Alabama; two daughters, Elaine Karolyi and her husband Louis of Howell, Michigan and Linda Ann Stokes and her husband Jesse of Kansas City, Missouri; one sister, Melinda Sue Green and her husband Richard; five brothers, Robert Glen Lancaster and his wife Ida Joyce of Phenix City, Alabama, Fred Lancaster of Gassaway, West Virginia, Jack Lancaster and his wife Judy of Bolling Green, Kentucky, Riley Lancaster and his wife Linda of Gassaway, West Virginia, and Charlie Lancaster also of Gassaway, West Virginia; five grandchildren, Jackie, Tony, Alex, Brittany, and Heather; four great-grandchildren, Dexter, Ace, Max, and Emma; many other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to Alzheimer's Foundation at www.alzfdn.org.