Joseph Raphael Lancaster Sr.

Joseph Raphael Lancaster, Sr., 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 30, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky. Born on September 24, 1939, in Ekron, Kentucky, he was the beloved son of Raphael and Anna Lancaster.

Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend—roles he embraced wholeheartedly. A proud Veteran of the United States Army, he served with honor during the Vietnam War. His dedication to his country was matched by his longtime commitment to Fischer Packing Company, where he worked faithfully for over 35 years.

Though Joe was deeply devoted to his work, his greatest passion was always his family. Everything he did—his military service, his decades of hard work—was for their well-being. Known for his strong work ethic and unwavering sense of responsibility, he often said, “Nothing is free; you have to work for it,” a principle he passed on to his children and grandchildren.

Growing up on the family farm, Joe learned early to appreciate life’s simple pleasures. His mischievous and curious youth gradually transformed into the steadfast reliability of a man determined to provide for those he loved. He also shared a special bond with his fur baby, Daisy, whose companionship brought him great joy.

Joe never met a stranger. His warm nature and easy smile made him a friend to all. In his spare time, he found happiness tending to his garden, traveling to the Smoky Mountains and the Bahamas, and taking fishing and hunting trips to Barren River. What made him the happiest though, had to be the family gatherings, playing Rook and other cards games with his family and friends. He treasured the time he got to spend with his family. These simple joys, shared with family and friends, filled his life with meaning.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him, and his legacy of hard work, love, and dedication will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Raphael Bertrand Lancaster and Anna Margaret Whalen Lancaster; and 3 siblings, Marjorie Monroe, Janice Miinch, and Dwight Lancaster.

Left to cherish his memory, Joe is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Linda Lancaster; 3 children, Joseph Raphael “Joe-Joe” Lancaster Jr., Stephanie Lancaster, and Rachel Carpenter (Matt); 4 grandchildren, Abigayle Lancaster, Michael Lancaster, Anna Lancaster, and Little Joe Lancaster; many great-grandchildren; 5 siblings, Rosalie Whelan, Linda Gordon, Frank Lancaster, Veronica Humphrey, and Jeanie Frank; many nieces/nephews/cousins; and a host of extended family and close friends.

A funeral service for Mr. Joseph Lancaster will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Louisville Memorial Gardens West Funeral Home, 4400 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Kentucky. Visitation will be held from 10 AM to 2 PM at the funeral home, prior to the funeral service. Entombment at Louisville Memorial Gardens West will follow the funeral service.