Orvid V Lancaster

Orvid (O.V.) was born on January 29, 1923, in Stanford, IL, the son of Clarence and Mary Mammen Lancaster. He married Doris Mason on July 8, 1945 in Armington after his return from Europe as a Captain in the Army Air Corps. She preceded him in death on August 24, 2016.

Survivors include their children; Steven (Jane) Lancaster of Normal; and Susan (Bob) Downen of Gridley; grandchildren, John Lancaster; Sara (Jeremy) Lorance; Jonathan (Jill) Frost; Kenneth (Kristen) Whitesell; Shari (Greg) King and Laura Price; seven great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Stanley (Marcia) Lancaster of Minier. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Kenneth, Milberne, Dwayne, Clarence Jr., and Leonard; and one sister, Lavonne.

O.V. served from 1941 to 1945 as a decorated pilot in the 385th Heavy Bombardment Group and 3rd Scouting Force, stationed in England. In 1949 he joined the Masonic Lodge and subsequently the Scottish Rite, York Rite, and Order of the Eastern Star; serving as Master, Sovereign Prince, Petition Captain, and Degree Master in these organizations. O.V. received the Masonic 33rd Degree in 1971 at Philadelphia. O.V. and Doris were members of the American Passion Play Door Staff for many years. In 1964 he joined the Shrine, serving as President of the McLean County Shrine Club in 1994 and as a founding member and Captain of the Tin Lizzie Patrol Unit. He was a 70 year member of the American Legion. O.V. retired from the Illinois State University Physical Plant in 1983 as Supervisor of Building Trades. He also owned and operated Hilltop Electric for 40 years.

O.V. attained Life Member status in the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, American Legion, 385th Bomb Group Memorial Association, and 8th Air Force Historical Society.

A Celebration of Life for O.V. and Doris will be held at a later date. Extended family and friends will be invited.

A private family Memorial Service will be held at East Lawn Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, 401 W. Jefferson Bloomington, Il. 61701 or Shriner's Hospital for Children, 4201 Industry Dr. Bartonville IL 61607. Online condolences may be shared with the family at eastlawn-bloomington.com