Otis Lancaster

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.  II Timothy 4:7

Otis B Lancaster Sr went to his much longed for heavenly home on Wednesday, November 3, 2021.

Otis was born in Rawlings, Md, 82 years ago to the late Edward Walter and Letta (Flanagan) Lancaster.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Edward Lee and Paul Lancaster; his sisters, Viola Lancaster and Bettie Jean Bloomfield; and his grandson James Edward Costilow.

Otis is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mabel (Mackley) Lancaster and three children, Otis Jr, Letta Cathryn Clark, and Lori May Alkire.  He is also survived by his brothers, Jack (Alida) , John, Walt (Virginia), Joe (Lois), and Steve (Sharon); his sisters, Mary Jane Wilson, Norma Hauser, Rozella Fraley (Ron), and Dorothy Dawson (David); his grandchildren, Ashley Buxton, Krystal Mullins, Jessica Files, Stephanie Keller, and Allie Crites; and his great grandchildren, Wayne and Avery Robertson, Everson Files, and Baby Girl Buxton.

Otis proudly served in the Army ARNGUS.  Following his Army service Otis was employed by Bethlehem Steel (Dundalk).  In 1966 he joined the maintenance staff of Frostburg State University from which he retired in 1996.  Following retirement Otis obtained a PhD in Theology from Louisiana Baptist College. He founded Harmony Baptist Church in Westernport, MD, officially organizing on November 03, 2006.

Otis had a love for family and country which was only surpassed by his love for his savior whom he accepted in 1959.  Otis had a heart for all people and his greatest concern was to know that any person he met knew about the Lord.  A man of many talents he used his gifts of teaching, singing, playing guitar as well as directing choir to enhance the program of the local church.  Otis enjoyed hunting and spending time in the woods with his best buddy, Otis Jr.  He loved his wife, Mabel, more every day and in these last months, even with a fleeting memory, he never forgot her.  His kind spirit and precious voice will never be forgotten.

Family and friends will be received at the Harmony Baptist Church, Westernport on Sunday, November 7th from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and Monday, November 8th from 11 to 12 p.m. A funeral service will follow the visitation on Monday at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to UPMC Western Maryland Home Hospice, 1050 W. Industrial Blvd, Cumberland, MD 21502, or Harmony Baptist Church 24211 Westernport Rd Westernport, MD 21562.

A special thanks to UPMC Hospice staff and special caregiver and friend, Patrick Thomas, for making our Dad and husband’s last days at home as comfortable as possible.

Interment will be in Waxler Cemetery, Rawlings.