As an infant, he went to live with his new parents, Ethan and Mary Jane (Shirley) Lancaster These two wonderful people were his mom and dad and he never desired to know any other. He grew up on the family farm near Beverly, Kansas and rode a pony to the one room school until the 8th grade. He later graduated from Beverly High School. His parents rented him a room in town as 8 miles was too far to go on a daily basis and he worked at the local drug store as a soda jerk.
Freshman and Sophomore years at K-State University, 2 years in the U.S. Army and going back to K-State to finish his degree in Radio and Television took up the next 6 years of his life. During these years he met Nancy Johnson and married her with his best friend and college classmate, Gordon Jump, of WKRP and Maytag Repairman fame serving as his best man. Nancy and Don’s first son, Alan was born while they lived and worked in Great Bend, Kansas. After moving to Lincoln Nebraska, Donald worked for over 20 years at KOLN-KGIN TV as the sales service manager. His son, John and daughter Amy were born during this time.
In 1974, Don met Leonard (Len) Franzen and began a relationship that lasted 48 years.
Don’s many interests included antiquing, volunteering for church, political, and neighborhood activities and committees, and attending concerts and the theatre. Travel was a huge part of his life visiting all 50 states, over 100 countries and islands on 6 continents. He loved the many, many vacations either as a duo or with his friends and family under the guise of “Fiasco Tours.”
However, in all honesty, there was one thing that Don loved above all things, “FOOD”. Whether it was buying it, fixing it, serving it, cleaning up after it and of course, eating it–food was his earthly delight.
In 1985, Don and Len bought and restored “The Watkins House”. It was located in the heart of Mount Emerald on B Street. For 15 years the house became a welcoming place for neighborhood meetings, weddings, receptions, political events, family gatherings and parties. It was specifically known for its annual Halloween Extravaganza where even the entire exterior of the house would dress up in the theme costume and come alive with over 400 guests and trick-or-treaters.
Donald started his own business of picture framing called, “The Framing Studio” and enjoyed his work and his customers for many years. At the same time, he managed his over 1,000 acre farm in Kansas as well as co-operated a catering and wedding cake business. He was a member of The American Legion Post #3. Despite his busy schedule he somehow, always found time to serve on church, political and neighborhood committees.
In 2001 after having sold the Watkins House and then a short period living in east Lincoln, Don sold his business and retired in Honolulu, Hawaii a block and a half from the beach in Waikiki. It became the base for travels to Asia and Australia.
After being hospitalized for e-coli in Los Angeles and other debilitating problems, he moved in 2011 to the Palm Springs area where he remained the rest of his life. He loved the snow on the mountain tops where he said it belonged.
Throughout the years, all of Don’s homes became a haven for weary travelers who enjoyed getting away. Sometimes it was one person coming for a week or two, other times a couple hundred people for an evening activity. Don was a hospitable host who enjoyed all his guests.
Donald leaves to morn his passing his spouse, Len, his son, Alan J. Lancaster, son, John Arthur Lancaster, Daughter, Amy Sue Kapperman, grandsons, Justin Lancaster, Kristopher Kapperman and Jarred Kapperman and great granddaughter Tatum Neben. He will be greatly missed by his brothers and sisters-in-law and their families. Donald had innumerable friends, most of which are already on the other side.
Donald had a wonderful life! He was always up for a new adventure, a new place, a new thing to do and a new food to eat. We all send him off with our love and know he is enjoying the “peace that passes all understanding.”
Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday (3-15-22) Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street. Burial in Wyuka Cemetery.
Visitation one hour prior to the service.
Memorials to Near South Neighborhood Association, P.O. Box 80143, Lincoln, NE 68501.