Douglas Lancaster, 78, of Springfield, Missouri, died September 9, 2011, in his home.
He was born April 29, 1933, in Mountain View, Arkansas, the son of late Mabel and Claude Lancaster. He was the third of 4 siblings. On January 11, 1958, he married Niva Belle Compton Lancaster, who survives.
He served in the U.S. Navy after high school, and graduated from College of the Ozarks, Clarksville, Arkansas in 1965. His career was spent as an entrepreneur where he started, built, and sold various businesses throughout the years. He was visionary and had an ability to get others on board with his ideas. His business interests were varied, including banking investment, food service, stock trading, and probably the most successful, healthcare. He proudly served on the board of O’Bannon Bank in Buffalo, MO for many years.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Belinda Baldus of Springfield, MO; son and daughter-in-law, Reece and Kay Lancaster of Joplin, MO; daughter and son-in-law, Sonya and Charlie Daniels of Ozark, MO; daughter and son-in-law, Vickey and Don Vance Jr. of Marshfield, MO; sister Claudine Cartwright of Tulsa, OK; grandchildren Brandon Baldus, Brent Baldus, Cole Baldus, Brandy Lancaster, Brooke Pearce, Drew Lancaster, Doug Clark, Jordan Clark, Don Vance III, Andrea Vance, and Savanna Vance; great-grandchildren Audrey Lancaster, Tyler Pearce, Cole Evans, Christian Kothenbeutel, Aidan Clark, Addisyn Clark, Jolie Baldus, Carter Baldus, and Brock Baldus.
Mr. Lancaster was a colorful man. He lived life with no fear, took chances on things he believed in, gave generously, practiced humor relentlessly, loved without boundaries, was passionate about thoroughbred horses and all things related, found gambling fun, loved his family, enjoyed his friends, strove to make Niva feel like a queen (mostly succeeding), and believed in God in a way others may not understand.
He found connections with those he encountered. He loved his in-laws, nephews, nieces, and friends. His extended family became his immediate family.
Pushing the limits was his comfort zone, and pulling him back was Niva’s. They counted on each other through business ventures, child rearing, and life in general. Together, they created a unique and amazing life.
He had more than 9 lives. He survived auto accidents and health challenges like no other. He stayed strong and held on until his family was finally able to let him go. Even at that, we know he is still beside us. We will see rainbows and know they are from him. We will hear and see him in our children and children’s children.
Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 13, 2011 in Greenlawn Funeral Home East with burial following in Missouri Veterans Cemetery , Springfield, MO. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, September 12, 2011 in the funeral home.
If desired, memorial donations can be made to: Stone County Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 356, Mountain View, AR 72560. Note on the check it is for: Elsie Morris Compton Scholarship Fund.