Rev. Reginald Victor Lancaster

Reverend Reginald Victor Lancaster, 84, of Flint, Michigan, died on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at his home in the loving presence of his wife and daughters. Reg was born in Toledo, Ohio on September 4, 1941, to Charles (Vic) and Doris (Dodie) Lancaster. He grew up in Traverse City, where he loved living close to fresh water, friendships in a small town and the love found in a Congregational church. He graduated from Olivet College and then went on to Andover Newton Theological School in Newton, Massachusetts. Reg was ordained into ministry with the United Church of Christ on May 28, 1967. After serving churches in Nutley, New Jersey, South Portland, Maine, and Middlebury, Connecticut, he and his family moved to Flint. There he served as Senior Pastor at Woodside Church for seventeen years. Later he served United Church of Christ congregations in Fraser, Dexter, and St. Clair as an interim minister helping them make transitions in leadership. He dedicated his life to the ministry through the congregations and communities he served. Reg served on numerous boards and committees throughout his life, including Flint's Community Resolution Center, Whaley Children's Center, the Bio-Ethics Committee at McLaren Hospital, and as the Sergeant of Arms for the Rotary Club of Flint. Reg led a life that was truly one of faith in action; he was welcoming to newcomers and kept an open heart for people from all walks of life. Rotary held a special place in his heart, both from the connections and support he gained in the club, and from having suffered from polio as a child - he was proud of Rotary International's work to end polio. Reg loved his summers at the family cottage on the St. Lawrence River in the heart of the Thousand Islands. For nearly five decades Reg shared his love of the River with his kids, grandkids, many relatives and friends by boating, swimming, eating together, and sitting on the porch sharing stories and watching glorious sunsets. His strong sense of humor came through as he led the family in playing practical jokes on neighbors and guests. He spent many vacation days taking meticulous care of this historic little red cottage. Reg and Karen were married for 35 years, during which they enjoyed traveling to see family, playing golf, and attending symphony concerts. He and Karen are long-time supporters of the Genesee Wind Symphony. Reg most loved the quiet, deep discussions he would have with Karen about their life and faith. Reg was preceded in death by his parents and sister (Joan L. Schultz), and is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Karen R. Wilkinson, his daughters Michelle Giordano (Vincent), Amy McFarland (Max), Catherine Lancaster, and Amanda Stitt (Ryan), as well as his grandchildren, Nathan and Kara Giordano, Kate and Kyle McFarland, Amelia and Malcolm Irvin. Reg is also survived by his sister M. Sue Buday (Brian), brothers-in-law Eric Schultz and Wayne Wilkinson (Char), sister-in-law Beth Larson (Neil), and his many beloved nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. Reg is remembered by many as a bright, caring friend with a healthy sense of humor. The family extends their deep gratitude to Donna Poli and to Heartland Hospice for their professionalism, love, and care. Visitation will be held at Swartz Funeral Home from 3:00-5:00 PM on Sunday, March 1. The funeral service followed by a reception will be held at 225 West Court Street at United Methodist Church in Flint, at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 2, 2026. Visitation 10am Monday at church until the time of the service. Rev. Dr. Shawnthea Monroe officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the End Polio Now fund with Rotary International, to the Rotary Club of Flint, or to the "Friends of the Michigan Conference Fund" with the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ. Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com