Charles Lancaster

Charles Lancaster, age 90, of Garden Grove, California, passed away Saturday, February 11, 2017, of natural causes at Brookdale Assisted Living Center in Garden Grove. He now joins his beloved wife, Margie, his parents, and six of his siblings - Bill Lancaster, Alma Gaither, David Lancaster, Rose Foos, Atlas David Lancaster, and Henry Lancaster.

Charles was born June 4, 1926 at home on the family farm in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He was the son of Atlas David Lancaster and Bessie Alice (Moore) Lancaster. He was the third of twelve children. His surviving siblings are Dot Fagan, John Lancaster, George Lancaster, Bob Lancaster, and Joe Lancaster.

Charles proudly served our country in the Marine Corps and retired after 22 years. He served during WWII and the Korean Conflict. In 1960, he was honored for heroism shown in the rescue of Japanese flood refugees trapped in the crash of a Navy rescue helicopter in the aftermath of typhoon Vera.

In 1956, after transferring to El Toro Marine Base, the family settled in Anaheim, California. After his retirement from the military, he then worked an additional 20 years in Inventory Control for Genuine Parts Distributors. He worked with Ford Dealerships in Southern California and Hawaii to keep their Parts Departments properly stocked. He most enjoyed the business trips he made to Hawaii with his dear wife, Margie.

Charles and Margie then moved to Hemet in 1990. He is survived by his children - Charles (wife, Jonel) Lancaster, Jr. and Margie Angela Stone (husband, Sam); five grandchildren - Justin Safford, Ben Lancaster, Stacy Lancaster, Mathew Safford (wife, Teresa), and Carley Lancaster; and one great grandchild, Luna Safford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charles' memory to Valle Vista Assembly of God, 45252 E. Florida Ave., Hemet, CA 92544.