Joe Earl Lancaster

Joe Lancaster, 80, a lifelong Wenatchee and East Wenatchee resident, passed away on Friday, November 13, 2015, at his home in East Wenatchee, surrounded by his family after a short battle with Lung Cancer. He was born on March 19, 1935 in Wenatchee, to the late William Edward the first and Emma Neoma (Short) Lancaster. He was raised in Wenatchee and later East Wenatchee. He attended East Wenatchee schools and was in the first high school class that rode the bus across the new bridge to Wenatchee High School, graduating with the class of 1953. He went to work at Keokuk Mining in Rock Island while he was still in high school and continued working there through all of the companies name and owner. He retired in 1998 after over 45 years of work. He was married to Mary Ann Toyer on July 30, 1955 at Waterville. They made their home together in East Wenatchee. Joe enjoyed going hunting with his brothers, was an avid fisherman and used to keep his boat moored at Lyons Ferry. He collected Indian artifacts, including arrowheads, spear heads, mortar and pestles. He began collecting before the dams were all constructed in the areas of Crescent Bar and also searched the Palisades. He was a Radio Control model airplane hobbyist and was an excellent woodworker. He was a former Ham Radio Operator and an enthusiastic Citizens Band Radio operator with the handle of "Mr. Gremlin". Joe was well known for his vegetable gardens and built his own greenhouse so he could start by seeds and begin earlier crops. He especially grew a lot of tomatoes, peppers and corn. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Lancaster, East Wenatchee; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Jo Ann L. & Jim Shingleton, East Wenatchee, Laura N. Ashbrook, Wenatchee and Marie A. & Scott Telecky, Bellevue; brother and sister-in-law, Richard "Dick" & Flora Lancaster, Orondo; eight grandchildren, Jason Peltz, Spokane, Jay Ervin, Roseburg, OR, Jessica Hicks, Muncie, IN, Scott Callihan, Bellevue, Sam Ashbrook, Spanaway, Lisa Bennett, Bellevue, Zeke Telecky, Wenatchee and Zach Telecky, East Wenatchee; nine great grandchildren, Orion Peltz, Wenatchee, Zoe Ervin, Eugene, OR, Kayla Hicks, Muncie, IN, Aria Ervin, Eugene, OR, Cyric Peltz and Malachi Peltz both of East Wenatchee, Andrew Hicks, Muncie, IN, Emma Grace Bennett, Bellevue, and Baby Telecky, due anytime. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, William Edward "Bill" Lancaster II, Steve Lancaster, Wallace Lancaster, John Lancaster, Barney Lancaster and sister, Marie Lancaster. A Commemoration Service will be held on Monday, November 23, 2015 at Heritage Memorial Chapel at 11:00 a.m. A concluding service and interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park with a continued time of sharing and lunch at the Eastmont Presbyterian Church on 200 S. Kentucky, East Wenatchee. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 before the services begin at Heritage. At Joe's request please dress casual. You are invited to visit his tribute online and share photos of Joe or leave a memory for the family at www.HeritageMemorialChalpel@msn.com" title="Click to open in a new window or tab" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.HeritageMemorialChalpel@msn.com.. Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Joe Earl Lancaster

March 19, 1935 - November 13, 2015