Michael Hugh “Big Michael” Lancaster, age 71, a resident of rural Deerfield, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at his home.
He was born October 24, 1954, in Noel, Missouri, the son of Robert Hugh Lancaster and Peggy Ann Sellers Lancaster. Michael grew up in Raytown, Missouri and graduated from Raytown High School. He later served with the United States Marine Corps from 1975 to 1979 where he attained the rank of Corporal.
Following his discharge from the Marines, Michael married Michele Piano on July 11, 1986, at Olathe, Kansas. They made their home in Humansville, Missouri where he owned and operated a feed store. In the early ‘90s they moved to Ft. Scott, Kansas and later settled just over the line in Deerfield.
He owned and operated the Dusty Attic Flea Market on Main Street in Ft. Scott. After moving to Deerfield, he operated Poor Boys Antiques and Grannie’s Tiques and Fleas out of his home on 54 Highway. In addition to running the flea market, he also built and repaired computers.
Michael loved to learn and consistently read on a variety of subjects. He enjoyed construction and working on building projects of all kinds. He studied up on green energy and used solar energy and other natural resources to power and heat and cool his home. He also liked to garden.
Michael constructed a greenhouse and used a hydroponic gardening system as part of his operation. He will be lovingly remembered for his ornery personality and his quick wit with a funny joke.
Survivors include his wife, Michele, of the home; eight children, Stephen Petrovich (Heather) of Cape Coral, Florida, Michael Robert Lancaster of Belton, Missouri, Melissa Slocum (Erik) of Swansea, Illinois, Christopher Lancaster (Cindy) of Indonesia, Julia Dryden-Lancaster of Joplin, Missouri, Jessica Lancaster of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Derrick Lancaster who is serving with the US Marine Corps, stationed at Camp Pendleton in California, and Keria Lancaster of the home. Also surviving are several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, two brothers and a sister.
Pastor Randy Query will conduct graveside services at 12:30 PM Friday, January 9th at the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel from 11:00 AM until leaving for the cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.