Jack Lancaster

Jack Lancaster—better known to some as Captain Jack, but most importantly as Papa—was the kind of man who made everyone feel like family. Born December 31, 1963, in Orange County, California, Jack built a life centered around the things that mattered most to him: family, friendship, adventure, faith, and making memories. For 42 years, Jack shared life with his wife, Sheri Lancaster. Together, they built a family he was incredibly proud of. He was Dad to Dillon, Lindsey, and her husband, Boz, and he held one of his favorite titles of all—Papa—to Bryce, Colbie, Aria, and Lola. Jack spent an incredible 40 years with Safety-Kleen, building not only a career but a reputation as a mentor, leader, and visionary. After retiring, his desire to help others didn’t stop. Following his own cancer diagnosis, Jack created a mentor group for other men facing cancer, helping guide them through a road he understood personally. He had a gift for making people feel seen, supported, and loved. And Jack knew how to enjoy life. He seemed to dip his toes into just about every hobby there was—golfing, four-wheeling, bird watching, traveling, duck hunting, biking, fishing… if there was an adventure to be had, chances are Jack was willing to try it. Some of his happiest memories were made at the lake, surrounded by family and friends. But it was often the little things that meant the most to him: sentimental birthday cards, daddy-daughter dates, fishing with Tay, traveling with Sheri, and, of course, an iced Blondie from 7 Brew. Underneath all the hobbies and adventures was a man with an enormous heart. Jack didn’t limit the word family to relatives. He became a dad to so many of his children’s friends and had a way of welcoming people in and making them feel as though they had always belonged. One of the most meaningful chapters of Jack’s life came in April 2026, when he was baptized after accepting Jesus into his heart. His family is especially grateful for the influence of his in-laws, Gary and Sandy Palmer, and for Pastors Bryan and Chad of Life.Church, who were part of that special journey. Jack was preceded in death by his father, Jack Lancaster I, and his mother, Sally Mikles. He leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Sheri Lancaster; his son, Dillon; his daughter, Lindsey, and son in law Boz Cannon; and his beloved grandchildren, Bryce, Colbie, Aria, and Lola. He is also survived by his sister, Keri Rozier, brother-in-law Felix Rozier, brothers Cory and Scott Lancaster, sister-in-law Kristen Lancaster; his sister; his in-laws, Gary and Sandy Palmer; lots of loved nephews, and a very large circle of family and friends who were lucky enough to be loved by him. Jack leaves behind more than memories. He leaves behind a legacy in the people he mentored, the friends he treated like family, the children he loved as his own, the adventures he said yes to, and the family who will carry pieces of him with them forever. He loved big. He lived fully. He made people feel like they belonged.

Jack Lancaster

December 31, 1963 - September 5, 2026