Larry Rex “Butch” Lancaster, 81, South Whitley, died at 3:18 p.m. Thursday, April 26, 2018, at Parkview Randallia Hospital, Fort Wayne where he had been a patient for the past 2 1/2 weeks.

He was born Jan. 26, 1937, in Whitley County, a son of the late Gerald R. and Jennie M. (Williamson) Lancaster. He spent his formative years in South Whitley where he graduated from South Whitley High School in 1955.

He was a member of the U.S. Army reserves from 1955 – 1963.

On May 12, 1984, he was united in marriage to Karen L. (Meadows) Myers. They made their home in South Whitley. Karen Myers died Sept. 15, 2017.

He had worked for Bechtol Soft Water and Lancaster Plumbing and Heating before joining the utilities department of the Town of South Whitley. He worked there for 25 years becoming the Utilities Manager. Always a supporter of his community, he served 24 years with the South Whitley, Cleveland Township Fire Dept. and became their assistant chief for 3 years and Fire Chief from 1984 – 1989.

He was a member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church. In his retirement years, he enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife, Karen and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his two sons: Jarrad R. (Robin) Lancaster, South Whitley; and Justin L. Lancaster, North Manchester; step-children: Nathan (Lynn) Myers, South Whitley; Zachary L. (Teresa) Myers, Vancouver, Wash.; and Julia J. (Robert Dales) Myers, Fort Wayne; 14 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; a brother, Randall J. (Deanna) Lancaster, Henderson, Nev.; and a sister, Kay (Larry) Lepley, Tri-Lakes.

He was also preceded in death by six brothers, Merritt, Robert, Richard, Donnel, Jerold, and Dale Lancaster and five sisters, Geneva Myers, Betty Stansberry, Karen Corson, Rosetomasene Lancaster and Nancy Lancaster.

The funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Smith & Son Miller Chapel, South Whitley.  Burial is in the South Whitley Cemetery.  Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the Cleveland Township Fire Department of Oak Grove United Methodist Church.