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Gerald Gary Lancaster
1944 - 2018
GLancaster

Gerald E. “Gary” Lancaster, age 74 of Darlington, passed away on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at his home after having continuous care from his loving family and while the sun was shining in his treasured sun room. He was born Feb. 8, 1944 in Darlington the son of Charles and Mary (Benson) Lancaster. Gary attended Darlington High School. He has spent the last 47 years of his life with his soulmate and life-partner Wauneta Lancaster. Gary grew up in Darlington until moving to Marlette, Mich., where he drove truck for Culligan’s. He later moved back to Darlington where he has spent the rest of his life. Gary was the proud owner of the bar G&W Lucky 7 Tap in Darlington from 1982 until 2002. He spent many years running Lancaster Construction and eventually obtained his contractor’s license.
Gary is survived by his best friend of 47 years: Wauneta at home; his children: Brenda (Justin) Cook of rural Shullsburg, Vicky (Jeff) Barr of Carsonville, Mich., Peg (Roy) Booms of Minden City, Mich., Paul (Valerie) Lancaster of Forestville, Mich., Brian Lancaster of Darlington, Jeff (fiancée: Traci Althaus) Lancaster of Darlington, Alan (Mary) Lancaster of Monroe, Jay (Peggy) Lancaster of Darlington, Terry (Judy) Lancaster of Black Earth, Rita Sheldon and Ruth (Joe) Zitzner both of Viroqua, and Rhonda (Tim) Pehl of Gratiot; 25 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Evaline McCormick of Soldiers Grove and Kay (Keith) Nichols of Darlington; and his beloved wiener…dog: “Sadie.”. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers: Homer, Harlan, Russell, and Thomas Lancaster; four sisters: Mildred Faith, Grace Schwartz, Shelby Rielly, and Shirley Hendrickson; Wauneta’s parents: Ted (Irene) Duval; her two sisters: Dorothy Rogers and Joyce Ubersox; her two brothers: Eddie Duval and LeRoy Puls.
He cherished his family more than anything and the memories they created together. Gary enjoyed being outside, especially being able to hunt for raccoons. Anyone who knew Gary knew his passion for antique cars. He loved to attend antique car shows and watch them on TV. He was proud to restore cars like the 1946 Ford Coupe, 1950 Ford F1, and the 1957 Plymouth Fury. Gary will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.
A funeral service was held Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Darlington United Methodist Church (546 Park Place, Darlington) where Rev. Angela Utter officiated. Burial was in Lamont Cemetery. A visitation was held Friday, April 13, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Darlington United Methodist Church and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
A special thank you to Uplands Hills Hospice and all of the amazing medical professionals over the many years.
For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Gary’s name.