Paul Edward Lancaster made his exit from this earthly life with quiet dignity on Thursday, July 11, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born on May 21, 1954, to Henry and Elizabeth Lancaster (Bonnecaze) in Coronado, Calif., but soon moved to New Orleans. At the age of six, Paul and his family relocated to Lake Charles (after his father’s naval reassignment to Chennault Air Force Base), where he spent the remainder of his life.

Paul was a 1972 graduate of LaGrange High School and a 1976 graduate of McNeese State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business.  While attending McNeese, he became a member of Kappa Alpha (KA) Fraternity, making many lifelong friends.

Post-college, Paul became an active member of the Louisiana Republican National Committee, was a supporter of the American Cancer Society, and Louisiana State University sports. In addition, he was an FSLIC-appointed receiver of a local savings and loan association, broker/owner of Prudential Real Estate Company, a Shelter Insurance Company agent, and Vice President of Business Development for Superior Supply and Steel.

Sharing stories of his youth, it was evident how much Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing.  In fact, he and his team won the 1997 annual American Cancer Society Golf Tournament at Doral in Miami, Fla.  Along with these hobbies, Paul was a voracious reader and a scholar on many topics, especially history and politics.

Paul was dearly loved by many for his kind and generous spirit.  He held a special passion in his heart for children, which led him to coach his sons’ Little League baseball, football, and basketball teams.  He always was willing to help in any capacity, such as refereeing, maintaining fields, and working concessions.  Perhaps one of Paul’s most endearing qualities, though, was his sharp wit.  His one-liners often brought his friends to tears with hysterical laughter. He was, indeed, a man to be remembered.

Preceding Paul in death are his parents, Henry and Elizabeth Bonnecaze Lancaster and a brother, William Lancaster.

Those left to honor and cherish his memory are his wife of 36 years, Melinda Futrell Lancaster; sons, Russell (Rusty) Manuel (Ashley) and Ryan P. Manuel; grandchildren, Camille and Cullen Manuel, Ethan Wingard, Jordan and Maddox Diaz; brother, Peter Lancaster; sisters, Linda Ross, Elizabeth (Lisa) Whitford, and Virginia (Ginger) Moss and many friends and extended family of the heart. 

A gathering of Family and Friends will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024 at the chapel of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. A celebration of his life will begin at 10 a.m. The family will have a private burial at a later date. 

A special thank you to Sage Oak Memory Care nurses and caregivers who wrapped Paul in compassion and love.  In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Wounded Warrior Project, and/or Alzheimer’s Research Foundation is greatly appreciated.

Words of Comfort may be expressed to the family at www.johnsonfuneral home.net.