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Thomas Leitch Lancaster III

1944 - 2025

BORN

1944

DIED

2025

Thomas Lancaster Obituary

Thomas Leitch Lancaster III

August 25, 1944 - January 18, 2025

Thomas Leitch Lancaster III, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away at home peacefully after a short illness on January 18, 2025 at the age of 80. Leitch is survived by his wife of 50 years, Clare M. Lancaster, children Thomas L. Lancaster IV (Christiana), Robert Bolling Lancaster II, and grandchildren; Emily Caroline Lancaster, Thomas L. Lancaster V, Mary Turner Lancaster and Robert Bolling Lancaster III.

Leitch was a graduate of Virginia Tech and self-employed in the building business for 50 years. He started his career renovating houses and converting apartments to condos in the Fan District of Richmond. He eventually formed a partnership, Parker Lancaster, with Russell J Parker III. Leitch sold his business to his partner in 1989 and moved to Wilmington, NC where he continued to build homes. He and his family returned to Richmond six years later.

Leitch loved to play golf and hunt. When retired, he did it with great enthusiasm, but nothing gave him more pleasure than being with his grandchildren, crabbing, boating at Wrightsville Beach, and enjoying his family and friend's company. Leitch never met a stranger. He was a kind, wonderful person. His sense of humor and optimism will always be remembered by friends and family.

A service will be held Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 11 a.m. at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 6000 Grove Avenue, Richmond, VA. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Riverside School, Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Stephens Episcopal Church. Leitch's service can be live streamed at - St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, ststephensrva.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jan. 26, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Lancaster

Not sure what to say?





Gerry

July 16, 2025

I would like to share this with his family and friends. The Shankers, golfing buddies at The CCV, "Honored" Mr. Lancaster by allowing his lovely wife the honor of hitting the starting shot on the first tee. I believe Leitch was smiling and looking down on us , as he guided the ball right down the middle of the fairway still having fun and laughter with his loved ones. Rest in Peace my friend, we miss you. Gerry Ransone

Bob Buerlein

July 15, 2025

Keep´em on the fairway!
- Bob Buerlein

David Biesemeyer

February 28, 2025

Leitch and I were in the Army together at Ft Polk and Ft Sam Houston in `68 and `69. He was a great friend and a natural leader.
David Biesemeyer

Single Memorial Tree

Robert Farinholt

Planted Trees

Gerry Ransone

January 29, 2025

It was my pleasure to serve this kind gentle friendly man for over 20 years at The Country Club of Virginia. I never saw him without that wonderful smile and a hint of laughter. He made golf fun !! We will miss him and hope his family and friends find Peace and Comfort in all the fun memories he leaves behind.
Gerry Ransone

Tyler & Julie Grimes

January 29, 2025

Your friends at Wrightsville Beach will forever cherish his smile and zest for life. Heaven has welcomed a true gentleman, and we are grateful to Jesus for embracing him in His kingdom.

Clare and the boys, please let us know if you need help at the beach.

We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Mike & Carter Andrew

January 28, 2025

Clare/Family: Sorry to hear that Leitch has passed. He may be gone in person, but he is now an Angel, sitting on your shoulders when you are awake and resting in your hearts when you sleep! Thoughts & Prayers, Mike & Carter Andrew

Bonnie Agee (your devoted Banker from yesteryear)

January 27, 2025

Clare and family - what a loss for your family and the community. I can easily see his casual, comfortable style in my mind´s eye, and the joy in his voice when he talked of those of you whom he loved. I know it was difficult to let him go but you can be sure you will carry his spirit for the rest of time. My love to you, Claire, and sympathies to all of you.

Peaceful Reflections

Justin and Danielle Phillips

Sent Flowers

Boyd Johnson

January 27, 2025

Sad to hear this news. He was always good company.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

William J. Frable

Planted Trees

Barbara Daane

January 26, 2025

Barbara M. Daane & family. We needed more time.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

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Memorial Events
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Jan

29

Service

11:00 a.m.

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church,

6000 Grove Avenue,, Richmond, VA

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