LANCASTER, ROBERT L., JR.
Funeral services for Robert L. Lancaster, 49, well-known sculptor, painter, educator, designer, consultant in art and architecture, and chairman of the art department in the School of Fine Arts at Southwestern University, who died at his home on May 1 [1974], were held in Lois Perkins Chapel at Southwestern University at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 2.
Officiating at the service were The Rev. Schnaufer, Vicar of Grace Episcopal Church in Georgetown, and The Rev. Konrad Kelley of Austin. Davis Funeral Home in Georgetown was in charge. Graveside service was held in San Marcos at 4:45 p.m. at the City Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Dr. Jeff Campbell, Claude Kennard and Gus Farmer, all of Southwestern University; Rodney Montgomery of Georgetown; Kenneth McGee, Waco; and Mel Fowler, Austin.
Memorials may be made to the Southwestern University Art Department Scholarship Fund or to the Stonehaven Center Memorial Fund in Georgetown.
Survivors include his wife, the former Wanda Hayes, and a daughter, Laura Lancaster, both of Georgetown; his mother, Mrs. Louise Lancaster of San Marcos, San Antonio and Dallas; and a sister, Miss Jane Lancaster of Dallas.
In paying tribute to Lancaster’s memory, Dr. Durwood Fleming, president of Southwestern University, said: “He was an unusually gifted person who excited his students in the appreciation and performance of creative art. He was a valued friend and colleague and a fine, Christian gentleman.”
A memorial service was held in Lois Perkins Chapel at Southwestern University at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, with the Rev. Farley Snell, University Chaplain, and Dr. Durwood Fleming, University President, participating.
Joining the faculty of the School of Fine Arts at Southwestern University in 1959, Lancaster formerly served on the faculties of San Angelo College, West Virginia University, University of New Mexico, and Arkansas State Teachers College.
A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of New Mexico with the Bachelor of Fine Arts and the Master of Arts degrees, Lancaster’s major areas of emphasis were sculpture and painting.
Lancaster’s works have been shown in exhibitions in Texas, Arkansas, Ohio, New Mexico, Arizona, West Virginia, Michigan, and also represented in many cities in private collections throughout the United States. He was the recipient of prizes and awards in area, regional and national exhibitions, and was presented in 50 one-and two-man shows . Lancaster was a frequent judge for exhibitions and filled numerous speaking engagements.
Lancaster’s commissions and installations, included mosaics in San Angelo and at San Angelo College; a limestone carving for the San Antonio Housing Authority, the Gold Age Center; a limestone carving in Fredericksburg and one for the Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center at Southwestern University; a carved wood entrance screen for a residence in Midland; statuary for a garden in Waco; hammered copper figure for the Landrum Mall at Southwestern University; and numerous other commissions.
Named one of the eight artists whose works were included in a two-week presentation at the Stagecoach Gallery in Houston, Lancaster’s six sculptures exhibited included limestone, cedar, and mesquite.
Lancaster participated in the International Sculpture Symposium in Long Beach, California (1965), and the International Congress on Architecture, Religion and the Visual Arts in New York (1967).
A native of San Marcos, Lancaster served for three years (1943-1946) with the United States Marine Corps, with 28 months in the South Pacific Theater. He was awarded the Letter of Commendation and the Purple Heart in the service of his country.
Active in various areas, Lancaster was listed in WHO’S WHO IN THE SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST WITH NOTABLES IN MEXICO and held membership in the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Texas Fine Arts Association, Texas Society of Sculptors, Grace Episcopal Church, American Association of University Professors, as well as art and education associations on the local, state and national levels. He was recently named a member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrews.