Jonathan Lancaster Born April 6, 1917 in Havana, Cuba to Methodist missionaries James Preston and Elsie Mary (Whipple) Lancaster, Jonathan Lancaster died peacefully October 15, 2009, surrounded by family and love. As a "PK", Jonathan lived in numerous small towns in Mexico, west Texas, and eastern New Mexico, where he stayed long enough to be named the state viola champion. After graduating from Van Horn (TX) High School in 1934, and the Texas College of Mines (now UTEP) in 1939, Jonathan worked in a Houston settlement home for a year before enlisting in the Army Air Corps in 1941, finishing basic flight school December 6, 1941. As a WWII bomber pilot, he primarily flew anti-submarine patrols before being shipped to the Pacific theater in 1945, where, after he flew just one bombing mission, the Japanese surrendered. Along with his war bride, Judith Pickle, and family, Jonathan returned to school for graduate work in Austin. After earning his master's in music, he taught school for 20 years in Port Neches and Kermit before leaving the teaching profession to sell school supplies, from which he retired in 1981. He and Judith returned to Austin in 1982, where they were active members of First Methodist, frequent volunteers for not-for-profits like Meals on Wheels and various Democratic candidates (especially Judith's brother, Jake Pickle), and life-long learners through programs like Learning Activities for Mature People (LAMP). In all things theological, philosophical or political, Jonathan was a proud LIBERAL. He was kind, generous, good man with a ready smile and willingness to help anyone. He loved good music, started two regular poker groups, read constantly and was a reasonably good source of crossword puzzle answers. Jonathan was bright and witty and independent to the end, entertaining family and others from his hospital bed during his last two weeks, the only time he wasn't completely independent. The family thanks the medical staffs at Heart Hospital and Seton Medical Center for their compassionate care, as well as his many friends from LAMP and First Methodist for their visits and kind words. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Judith Lancaster; and sister, Mary Jo Bennett of Colorado Springs, CO; as well as daughters, Diantha (Don) Alspaugh of Longmont, CO, and Meredith Lancaster of Austin; and son, David (Julie Kniseley) of Austin. He also has seven grandchildren: Russell (Colleen) Alspaugh of Portland, OR; Clay (Lori Cairns) of Longmont, CO; Sam (Milena) DeJulio of Austin; Elena DeJulio of Olathe, KS; Joe and Xiaoman Lancaster of Austin; and Dan Lancaster of Denver, CO. He also enjoyed his five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families in Austin and throughout the country. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 1201 Lavaca, 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 7. Please join us for a celebration of this wonderful life.
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5 Entries
As you gather this morning to celebrate the life of Jonathan Lancaster, those of us whose lives he touched will be joining you in remembering the man and the teacher. I am blessed to be one of the many. Dear Mr. Lancaster spent many hours, during our four years of high school, coaxing and challenging our girls trio. He drove us to performances, soothed our butterflies, endured the drama of three teenage girls, always encouraging us to be the best that we could be.
We probably never told you, but I think you knew, we love you, Mr. Lancaster.
Sandra Hudson Callaway
November 7, 2009
Cecil and Margie welcomed Jonathan into the Heavenly LAMP gathering. They are already playing bridge or traveling together for eternity. Don't you know the burnt orange trumpets roared as he crossed that River Jordan.
Heaven's gain is our loss. Yes, you will be missed on earth, Jonathan. The rhythm of life will be changed forever, and a part of our hearts torn to never mend as they were. Until we meet again.
Janet Hale
November 3, 2009
Another of "the greatest generation". David, I can see the genetic imprint of the things about you that we all know and love. I know you are a proud son of a proud father.
Sincerely,
James
James Nader
November 2, 2009
I did not know Jonathan Lancaster but know his son David through TSA. My thoughts are with his family at your recent loss. I am sure he will be missed.
Mary Crites
November 2, 2009
Jonathan will be remembered often at the LAMP poker club as the man with the ever-increasing red bag of poker winnings. We miss him greatly and want his family to know that our thoughts are with them as they, too, mourn his passing.
John Wood
November 1, 2009
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