Andrew Lancaster laid to rest

More than 700 people came to the Stockton High School football field Friday night to pay respects to U.S. Army Sgt. "Andy" Lancaster at a memorial service marked by patriotic music, a candlelight service, and 21 fireworks set off in a final salute.

The standing-room-only crowd watched in silent respect as the family was ushered to the field in white stretch limousines at sundown, led by a flag-bearing motorcycle brigade of the Patriot Guard Riders, a national motorcycle club that honors soldiers.

Lancaster, 23, characterized by his family as a young family man who loved hunting, fishing, golfing and playing with his dog Sam, was killed south of Baghdad one week ago along with four comrades from his battalion. A bomb took Lancaster's life and that of four comrades, according to an official release from the U.S. Department of Defense.

The residents and businesses of Stockton honored Lancaster by flying nearly 200 flags, many at half-staff, and tying yellow ribbons around trees and fence posts throughout the town and on U.S. 20 both east and west of Stockton. The flags were provided by several area VFW groups and Stockton Boy Scout Troop 31.

In recognition of his service, Lancaster received numerous medals including the Purple Heart, according to Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn.

Lancaster's widow, Tabbatha, issued a statement through Quinn's office about her husband's service. "Andrew knew what he was getting into," she said. "He never said he didn't want to serve and he knew the military was his job. Andrew always took the lead and was never afraid. He was proud of what he was doing."

At the memorial service, she sat front and center, clutching a long-stem yellow rose, her long blond hair tied back.

Speakers at the memorial included Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, Illinois Rep. Jim Sacia, R-Pecatonica, Stockton Mayor Rod Brandt, Father Dean Smith of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Reverend Jeffrey Baer, United Methodist pastor, retired, and several area veterans including Stockton resident Ernest Lieb and Freeport resident Phillip Gothard.

Gothard, taking the microphone on a stage laden with yellow flowers, flags and giant photos of Lancaster and his wife, called the hometown soldier a smart likeable person, a born leader and an excellent non-commissioned officer.

"He thought fast. He moved with a purpose and he knew how to make decisions," Gothard said. He called the man everyone knew as "Andy" a pleasure to be around, a man who always had something to say with a natural aura of respect about him.

"This is a devastating loss to me as well as everyone else that knew Andy on a personal level, above all to his family. He will be remembered by so many and loved by us all. I am honored to have known him and will be proud to carry his memory with me for my entire life," Gothard said.

From the Journal Standard

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