Jack Aiken Lancaster II

1945 - 2025

JACK AIKEN LANCASTER II

December 31, 1945 – October 29, 2025

Jack Aiken Lancaster II, age 79, of Bakersfield, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Born on New Years Eve, 1945, in a Burbank hospital to Jack and Joy (Saulle) Lancaster, he was affectionately known by older generations and close friends as "Jackie." He and his younger brother, Paul, grew up in Bakersfield. He was the son and grandson of real estate brokers.

After graduating from Bakersfield High School in 1963, Jack had other career plans in mind. He joined the U.S. Army and trained as a microwave radio repairman during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the 362nd Signal Company and was deployed from the Delta to the DMZ, providing long-range tropo-scatter radio telephone communications throughout South Vietnam.

Upon his return from overseas, Jacks entrepreneurial spirit led him into a career as an electrical and instrumentation contractor throughout Kern County, as well as in China, Kuwait, and Colombia. Jack raised his two sons, Adam and Josh, to follow in his footsteps. After graduation, Adam enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and Josh went on to become an electrical and instrumentation contractor as well.

In 2021, Jack was honored with the trip of a lifetime to Washington, D.C., as part of the Kern County Honor Flight, with his son Josh proudly serving as his guardian. The journey was deeply meaningful for Jack – a chance to reunite, in spirit, with those who had served beside him decades earlier. Standing before the black granite walls of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Jack was able to see the etched names of his fallen brothers – men he had trained with, laughed with, and fought alongside. For Jack, it was not only a visit of remembrance but also one of healing and gratitude – an opportunity to honor those who never made it home.

Jack was a strong supporter of the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was proud to participate in their events and fundraisers. His favorite was the annual "Buddy Poppy" program. He donated countless hours of his time to this event each year, proudly wearing his Vietnam veteran hat while greeting shoppers at the Vons grocery store at Coffee and Hageman.

When he wasn't volunteering, you could often find Jack at his favorite local café – Donna Kaye's on Oak Street. A true lover of good food and good company, Jack was in his happy place sharing a meal with his kids or close friends. He will be remembered for his service, generosity, humor, and the way he brought people together – whether on a job site, at a VFW fundraiser, or around a café table with those he loved most.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Joy Lancaster, and his younger brother, Paul Lancaster. He is survived by his older half-brother, Mark Lancaster; his two sons, Adam (Irma) Lancaster, Joshua (Taylor) Lancaster; his daughter, Alicia Charles; and six grandchildren: Nicholas, Mark, Jade, Trista, Michaela, and Jacob.

A committal service with military honors will be held on Friday, November 14th at 9:15 a.m. at Bakersfield National Cemetery, located in Arvin, California. Family and friends are invited to attend. Guests are asked to arrive a few minutes early to allow time for check-in at the cemetery gates.

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