ST. JOSEPH — Robert James Lancaster died Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, at Madison Parish Hospital. He was 88.

Mr. Lancaster was born in Waterproof. He graduated from Louisiana Tech, where he lettered in baseball. He was in the Pacific Theater in the Navy during World War II. He was a former co-owner of Tensas Motor & Supply Company and a farmer.

Mr. Lancaster served 20 years on the St. Joseph Town Council and was a Dixie Youth Baseball coach for many years. He was a charter Board Member of Tensas Academy. He was a charter member of First Methodist Church of St. Joseph, where he was a member of the  Board of Trustees and the Administrative Council.

Mr. Lancaster was preceded in death by his parents, Roderick Claude and Lillie Hudnall Lancaster; two sisters, Anne Chennault and Martha Seaman.

Survivors include his wife, Edna “Tut” Lancaster of St. Joesph; two sons, Robert Lancaster Jr. of Abita Springs, La., and Mack Lancaster of Oak Grove; a daughter, Jennifer Gilfoil of Lake Providence; a brother, Doc Lancaster of St. Joseph; three sisters, Mildred Weems of Panama City, Fla., and Mary Higginbotham and Betty Robertson,  both of Ruston, La.; and 10 grandchildren.

Services will be at First Methodist Church of St. Joseph at 10 a.m. Friday with the Rev. Ray Owens officiating.

Burial will follow at Legion Memorial Cemetery in Newellton under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home of Ferriday, La.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Jim Lancaster, Josh Lancaster, Luke Lancaster, Jim Gilfoil, Wyly Gilfoil and Cain Gilfoil.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of St. Joseph, Tensas Academy or a charity of choice.

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