Robert M Lancaster

Major Robert M. Lancaster (USMC, Retired) passed away Monday, 19 February 2018, surrounded by his family. Born in Chester, South Carolina, to Ray and Ruth Lancaster in February of 1942, Rob became the first person in his family to attend college; he attained a Master’s of Science in Mathematics from Newberry College.

His career with the United States Marine Corps spanned over 20 years: Major Lancaster flew helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft as a pilot and a flight instructor –- including instructing the first female pilot for the United States Marine Corps— at multiple stations nationally and worldwide. For a year during the Vietnam War, he maneuvered MEDEVAC helicopters with the Red Lions Squadron, safely transporting wounded soldiers from the battlefields to the field hospitals. Naval Attaché Duty dispatched him to Jakarta, Indonesia, for three years of service.

After his retirement, Rob worked an additional 30 years as a tax preparer both with H&R Block and independently. In this endeavor, he dedicated his resources to assisting his clients’ best interests. His drive instilled confidence, honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic in his family—whom he loved immensely, advised frequently, and lovingly-teased often enough.

An automotive enthusiast all of his life, Rob piloted Corvettes around the curvy shoreline communities of Laguna Beach, CA, and Pensacola, FL, during his freewheeling bachelor days. He married the love of his life, Cynthia, in February of 1971. Together, they raised three daughters and traveled the world. Rob was a skilled breakfast chef, specializing in pancakes, cheese toast, and grits & eggs. His expertly-crafted, highly-requested frozen margaritas earned him acclaim as “The Margarita Man” amongst friends and family. He shared his love of eclectic folk art and music with family and friends. Rob will be remembered by all who knew him & loved him for his joy and dedication in helping family and friends, as well as for his warm, devilishly-compelling, enormous humor and kind, generous spirit.

Major Lancaster is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cynthia; his three daughters, Shannon Carlson, Aaron Lancaster, and Jessica Priddy; and three magnificent grandchildren, Morgan, Hanna, and Everett.

In accordance with Rob’s wishes, the family requests that donations be made to The Poor Clares of Memphis, TN: Monastery of St. Clare, 1310 Dellwood Ave., Memphis, TN, 38127 (in lieu of flowers). Donations to charities of the donor’s choosing are greatly appreciated as well.

To all of the women and men serving in the U.S. Armed Forces worldwide, we send our sincerest gratitude and admiration for your service on behalf of a grateful nation. May you all return home to your families safely!

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