Howard Claborn Lancaster Jr., 81, of Festus died Sept. 30, 2024, at his home. Mr. Lancaster worked as a sheet metal assembler and riveter (SMAR) for McDonnell Douglas and Boeing Aircraft in St. Louis. He was a member and deacon of Second Baptist Church in Festus and loved being outdoors, especially fishing and hiking. He was an excellent carpenter and did countless projects. He also loved gardening and landscaping as well. Born April 11, 1943, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Lena (Huber) Oberle and Howard Claborn Lancaster Sr.
He is survived by his wife: Betty (Galloway) Lancaster; a son: John C. (Michelle) Lancaster of Calumet, Ind.; a daughter: Heather (Aaron) Lancaster-Wright of Millbrook, Ala.; a brother: Rickie (Ruth) Oberle of De Soto; two sisters: Darlene (Steve) Johnson of Bonne Terre and Judy (Dennis) Rauls of Festus; nine grandchildren: Chauntel, Brittany, Jeremy, Caleb, Ian, Alyssa (Micah), Alleyce (David), Alana and Alexia; and several great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a brother: Darrell Oberle.
Visitation is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. until funeral services at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at Second Baptist Church, 723 Horine Road, in Festus, officiated by the Rev. James King. Burial will be in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to Living Springs Camp. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.