Darrell Lancaster

1936 - 2024

Darrell Lancaster

March 27, 1936 - January 11, 2024

Galt, California -

Darrell Alfred Lancaster went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 11, 2024 at the age of 87. His family was by his side until the end. Darrell is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Mary Lancaster, as well as his children - Dan (Rita) Lancaster, Joy (John Meyer), Pam (Dave) Wilson, David (Lupe) Lancaster and their mother Alda Lee Halsey. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren.

Darrell was born in Hastings, Michigan on March 27, 1936 to Edwin (Ned) and Goldis Lancaster. He graduated from Nashville High School in 1954. At the age of 18, he became a Christian and turned his life over to the Lord, to whom he remained faithful until his last breath.

In 1966, he took his family to Papua New Guinea to support the work of the missionaries with Wycliff Bible Translators. He was assigned to manage the store in Ukarumpa on the base, which was a little operation offering food and supplies to the compound by ship delivery. Over the years, the store expanded to offer more supplies and home goods. Darrell grew his knowledge and expertise in purchasing, shipping and receiving and was very proud of his work. He often reminisced how much he knew about overseas procurement –and getting the best deal was his ultimate goal. In 1976, he and his family returned to Southern California.

Darrell met Mary in 1988 and they were married for almost 35 years. They moved to Galt in the early 90s where they spent the remainder of his life together. They loved hosting an annual 4th of July party and Christmas Eve celebration for family and friends.

Darrell had a giftware business and would go to gift shows in San Francisco and Las Vegas to get ideas for new products to sell. After the giftware business started to wane, he joined Raley's and worked there for seven years in various roles until he retired.

Darrell and Mary enjoyed traveling and took several trips over the years, which included Hawaii, Caribbean Islands and Alaska. They also enjoyed visiting historic sites in California such as the Gold Country, Lake Tahoe and San Francisco. Darrell described Mary as a great blessing the last 35 years of his life as well as a great companion and wife. He admired Mary's drive, determination and was very proud of her fortitude.

Surrounded by family, just days before going home to be with the Lord, he shared his testimony which began in this way:

"The days that I'm here, I'd like to serve the Lord, and I'd like to be a glory to Him and not to myself…[at my funeral] I don't want to be glorified…I want to hear… 'He was my dad, and he had his shortcomings, and he needed training himself to live his life better but [dad] wanted you to hear that Jesus Christ came to the Earth to save sinners and He died on the cross because of His love for each one of us'."

The funeral service is scheduled on Friday, February 23, 2024 at 11:30 AM at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church located at 604 E Street, Galt, CA 95632

Internment at Galt Cemetery, 14180 Joy Drive, Galt Ca 95632