Charles Eugene Lancaster, Sr., passed peacefully on Sunday, August 23rd at the age of 90.

Charles had 7 children: Sarah Childers (Kenny), Charlie Lancaster (Michelle), Robert Lancaster (Leah) all of Lebanon, KY; Ben Lancaster (Tammy) of Orlando, KY; Mary Taylor of Bardstown, KY; JJ Lancaster (Sara) of Louisville, KY, and Beth Cambron (Sam) of Loretto, KY.

Also surviving are 15 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and five sisters: Sally Isaacs, Ann Roney Borders, Mary Rose Burdette, Susan Fouts and Bennie Jo Thompson. He was preceded in death by his parents Ben and Sarah Bullock Lancaster.

Born and raised in Lebanon, KY, Charles ventured away for a time to attend St. Joseph’s College, serve in the military in the Army Reserve in Arkansas and manage a radio station in Morganfield, KY, but his love for Lebanon could not keep him away for long.

He managed the local bowling alley before going into the real estate, insurance, and auction business in 1966. He founded The Lancaster Agency in 1985, which is now in its 3rd generation. The building where the agency currently sits received the Marion Co. Chamber “Beautification Award” in 1987.

Charles believed in community involvement and served on several boards: Farmer’s National Bank, Marion Co. Industrial Foundation and Lebanon Water Works. He received the Marion Co. Chamber “Citizen of the Year” award in 1983 and the “Outstanding Chamber Member” award in 2000.

He was the voice of various local events for decades: Marion Co. Jr Miss, Marion Co. Knights football, Ham Days parade and Marion Co. Fair harness racing, but his greatest love of using his unmistakable, smooth voice was being an auctioneer, making him widely known as “The Colonel.” He was still auctioneering until June of this year.

For over 50 years, Charles could be found every Wednesday night at the Varmint Supper Club. His other interests included trains, bird watching while looking for his golf ball in the rough, an afternoon snooze, and happy hour. He was known for his sharp wit, one-liners, and zingers. His grandchildren will miss their Pepaw’s “secret handshake” resulting in the “green salad of salvation.”

There will be a funeral Mass on Wednesday, August 26th at 11:00 AM at St. Augustine Church in Lebanon, KY. Visitation will start at 9:00 AM on at the church with burial at the St. Augustine Cemetery immediately following the funeral service. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the St. Augustine bereavement committee, where Charles volunteered for many years and always left with a “takeaway clamshell.”