Felton Reid Lancaster

Felton Reid Lancaster: Tribute to a Legend

Felton Reid Lancaster ended his last round of golf a few shots under par. Born and raised in Atlanta, GA, Felton was the pride and joy of Felton Astor Lancaster, whose resume read more like a tall tale (bootlegger, NASCAR driver, gambler, golf pro, pro baseball player, school bus driver, etc.). Felton's mother, Dorothy Reed Lancaster, affectionately dubbed him "Punkin," and cheered for her favorite football star from the sidelines with a fervor that only a true southern momma could muster.

Felton's romantic escapades began at Cross Keys High School, where he mistook Ellen's teasing in typing class for flirtation—a classic case of miscommunication that miraculously led to true love. Despite Ellen's father's objections, she fell head over heels for Felton. Once Felton set his sights on her, there was no going back. He even rode a 50cc motorbike from Tallahassee, FL, where he played football at FSU, all the way to Atlanta, GA—a 13-hour journey—just to see her. They tied the knot in 1965.

Precisely ten months later, Kimberly arrived, followed by Christi and Bradley. Felton's career was also born during these early years of their marriage. He found fulfillment in his career as an Air Traffic Controller, and knew it was a way to provide for his growing family. And grow it did! After discovering the joy and love of their Savior Jesus Christ through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints while they lived in Puerto Rico, they decided to add more branches to the family tree. Their children Erin, Amanda, and John Matthew soon followed, making their once-normal sized family a head-turning spectacle in grocery stores.

Felton's professional life was as illustrious as his personal one. He achieved some of the highest levels of leadership in Federal service: as the union president for his fellow controllers in Atlanta, he met with then-Governor Jimmy Carter to recognize the work of their profession, and later he became the youngest-ever Chief of an Air Route Traffic Control Center (ZKC – Kansas City) at only 40 years old. He returned to Puerto Rico later in his career as Chief of another ARTCC (ZSU – San Juan). Wherever he went, he always had Georgia on his mind. Ellen was right beside him at every turn, and their love story and partnership should be studied for its immense generosity, care, forgiveness, compassion, and teamwork. They raised six children together as a magnificent team; some would argue he was still raising them until his final moments and will continue raising them and his posterity for many years to come.

After thirty years in the most stressful of careers, he swapped the stress for pure joy: the smell of fresh-cut grass at sunrise, neatly trimmed greens, and a perfect tee shot, straight down the fairway. He was a gifted teacher and shared his love and respect for the game of golf with anyone who showed interest. Leading golf clinics for juniors over summer months was a highlight of his Golf Pro life, but nothing beat playing a round with his children or grandchildren. His golf buddies remained his best friends, and he cherished moments with them on the links.

He loved and supported the great love of his life, Ellen, through both of her battles with breast cancer. When Felton learned she had stage 4 breast cancer in 1997, he held her hand tightly and they fought hard to keep her around. They did it 13 years later when cancer struck her again. And when three weeks before his passing, he received his own stage 4 cancer diagnosis, she gripped his hand tightly and they worked together to keep him around as long as they could. He left this earthly realm on Monday, February 17, surrounded by his children and his eternal companion, Ellen. We know he was greeted by the warm embrace of his beloved Savior Jesus Christ, his Heavenly Father, his proud dad and doting mother, who has been waiting to see her Punkin’ again.

Felton Reid Lancaster leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, song, and a life lived to the fullest. He will be remembered fondly by his dearest Ellen, their children and their spouses (who he made feel like his own kids), 16 grandchildren + partners & spouses, 9 great-grandchildren, his ward family, the great friends he made in his many years of service, and anyone who ever had the pleasure of being charmed by his stories and kindness. Rest in peace, Felton—you've got a 7:58 tee time with your dad.

Felton’s family welcomes all who wish to celebrate his life and legacy with them on Saturday, February 22. This joyous sendoff will be held at his LDS church family’s place of worship, located at 57 West Porter Way, Stansbury Park, Utah 84074. Felton was full of joy and we welcome you to wear your favorite colors. But if you’re like Johnny Cash, feel free to wear black.

● 1:00 pm - 1:45pm (MST): Ellen and her family will receive visitors

● 2:00 pm - 3:00pm (MST): Celebration of Life Service

      ○Please be prompt, Felton believed on time = late

If you cannot attend in person and wish to celebrate Felton from your corner of the earth, click on the link below during the service time to watch the service via livestream.

https://youtube.com/live/lPhtjHG-bR0?feature=share