Keith Lancaster, 75, of Broadus, died Wednesday March 19th at his home in Crane Acres.
Keith was born June 4, 1938 in Sheridan, WY, the son of Leonard and Violet Lancaster. He attended Grade School at Boyes, MT, and graduated from Powder RiverCountyHigh School in 1956. Drafted into the U.S. Army in January of 1961, Keith completed his two years and was honorably discharged in January 1963. His last duty station was with the 561st Engr Co., PSF, Conus, CA. as Heavy Haul Transport Personnel. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal as well as the Marksman Medal during his service.
Upon returning to Broadus from the Army, Keith drove truck for Harlan Irion and Don Ward and also Charley Stabio before joining with partners to form Powder River Trucking in 1968. When PR Trucking later dissolved Keith continued to haul livestock and grain as Keith Lancaster Trucking.
While Keith was known to many in South Eastern Montana through over 50 years of hauling livestock and grain, few knew him well. Though he did not have any children of his own, he had more than a passing influence on his niece and nephews. We will miss his wit and dry sense of humor. Many bits of advice and life lessons began with, “Well now…..”. His mind remained sharp, and he amazed family members with details of family and local history. He had traveled many roads throughout much of the United States, and could remember roads years later with enough clarity to give directions without referencing a map. Occasionally, with a little coaxing, he would even share an opinion on politics.
He was an avid reader and favored westerns, but was well read on a variety of topics. Keith loved to fish and go camping. He loved going down to his second home at the Cashway Café and have coffee with his trucking friends. He collected guns, though rarely hunted. Those who knew him well know his gruff manner covered a big heart. He was quiet, and quietly helped people as good and decent people do when they are part of a community. Thank you, Uncle Keith, for your words of wisdom, your help when you were needed, and for being there for us all. We will miss you.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Kathleen and brothers Grant, Gene and Gary. He is survived by two sisters in law, Mary (Grant) Lancaster and Georgia (Gary) Lancaster, a niece and numerous nephews, the Fruit family and all his friends.
At Keith’s request, no services are planned. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Broadus is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Dave & Pam Nisley says
Our area will not be the same with out this man! We are so saddened to here he has left this earth! We have MANY great memories of Keith, most of it centered around trucking. He was one of the best at getting livestock moved, safely with out issue to people, trucks or livestock. I remember well one time, him hanging out waiting for the other trucks to come, and they were very late. He was doing the best he could to keep my mind positive, saying things in his drawl, such as ” they probably took a wrong turn and are held up in Ekalaka 🙂 !!! The day ended well, but I will never forget his gentle words, and keeping the topics light and comical, so as not to worry those of us waiting. We will miss you Keith, I am thankful that just 11 days ago I was able to visit with you – I never imagined it would be our last chat on this side. I pray for comfort for all Keith’s loved ones…..so many of you!!
Pat Franklin says
I will miss you, have a lot of memories of all the trucking you did for us, when we lived in the hole in the wall which you called it. Rest in peace Smiley!
Gerald & Janet Himelspach says
Our sympathy to Keith’s family. We, like most of Powder River County, have lots of memories of his trucking our livestock. His humor always kept shipping light and we knew the livestock was well taken care of. Rest in peace, Keith.
Pat Smith says
Sorry to hear of Keith’s passing he will be missed by many. May all your wonderful memories ease your pain. God bless all. Pat Smith
Sally Borla says
WE ARE VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF KEITH’S PASSING–MY BROTHER SAM AND I WENT
TO GRADE SCHOOL WITH KEITH AND I KNEW HIS PARENTS AND FAMILY AT BOYES.
REST IN PEACE AND GOD BLESS, SALLY AND SAM BORLA
Lane Taylor says
Although I never said it to his face, he was always “Uncle” Keith to me and for some reason, he always called me Fud. I cant imagine going through Broadus and not running into Keith. I will miss him very much.
LINDA MERCHANT & BILL CANON says
So sad to hear of Keith’s passing.A great neighbor and friend.As a kid M.R.Lancaster hauled both cattle and grain from our ranch(Dallas Merchant).Alway’s having a smile an a quick whit remark.He will be missed by many in our county.Rest in peace.
Jim and Kathy Bowers says
So sorry to hear about Keith. He was a great trucker and was always amazing to work with when he hauled for us. May he rest in peace in greener pastures.
Randy & Cynde Trucano says
Our hearts are saddened by the hearing of Keith’s passing. He was one of a kind. Having many great visits ( sometimes I was the only one talking), but will miss him hauling our sheep to Cochrans and cattle to the sale ring. Rest in peace Keith. We will miss you.
John Denson says
Fond memories of Keith. Thoughts and prayers to his family. Keith was a fixture at our house for many years. His aloof and gruff demeanor never completely concealing a wry smile and big heart. We wanted Keith to be a pallbearer at my Father’s funeral. He declined. When Sandy and I pushed harder, he confided that he viewed Dad as a brother and just couldn’t do it……so much for Mr. Tough Guy. In recent years Keith even surprised me by exchanging Christmas cards and phone calls. Rest in Peace Keith.
MARTY AND PATSY CARAWAY says
Dear Don and Mary and family, so very sorry for your loss .God bless all of you. the caraways
Ron Taylor says
Condolences to Keith’s family.Keith and I palled around together a lot in the late 50s & early 60s.He was drafted into the Army 1 month after I was.For reasons I can’t explain he nick named me Brigham,now how do you get out from under a tag like that?The 4th of July weekend of 1960 we decided to take a trip.We ended up going through Glacier Park and back through Missoula .I’m sure in later years you wouldn’t have got him to do something like that.Rest in piece old Friend,your friend Brigham