1943 – 2015
AUBURN — Stephen L. Lancaster, 72, of Farmington passed away on Monday, Sept. 7, at the Hospice House in Auburn after a strong battle with liver cancer. His devoted wife, Julie; daughter, Bethany; and nephew, Jerry, were by his side. He is now in the comfort of the Lord.
He was born in Gardiner to Leo and Irene Lancaster. He graduated from Livermore Falls High School in 1960 and went to St. Mary’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, on a football scholarship.
His true love for baseball followed him through adulthood, and he broke many records along the way while playing in the Pine Tree League. In 1964, he was spotted by a Philadelphia Phillies scout and signed with their single A minor league organization in Spartanburg, S.C. After one season with the Phillies, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, leaving his minor league career behind to proudly serve his country. His talent was once again made known to an Army general in Germany, so he continued playing baseball for the Army National Team. In 2008, Steve was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame.
Steve’s other interest was the Maine Harness Racing Association, owning, training and occasionally driving. Steve’s knowledge for breeding bloodlines was so extensive, he always had a request to do a “research” for someone. His horse-racing family meant a lot to him, with the Cushing Stables being his favorite coffee spot in the morning.
He leaves behind his wife, Julie Anne; son, Stephen, with his “very own daughter-in-law,” Carrie, and their daughters, Rowan and Sloan; daughter, Bethany; and grandson, Matthew Lancaster; son, John Korhonen and wife, Amy, and their daughter, Madison; daughter, Kristen Ockenfels; brothers, Dana and Al; and sisters, Patricia, Catherine, Marie and Michele.
Tributes and condolences may be shared by visiting his memorial page at www.wilesrc.com.
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