Sam W. Lancaster

Sam W. Lancaster, 96, of Twin Falls, Idaho, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, at his home.

Sam was born January 17, 1930, to Jane Marguerite (Sierer) and Roy Young Lancaster, members of the early settler families in the Filer, Idaho, area. As the second oldest in a close-knit family, Sam grew up with his siblings Leroy, Vivian, Sue, Tom, and Mary. His youngest sibling, Allen, died at birth. Sam attended school in Filer and graduated from Filer High School.

Sam was a lifelong resident of the Magic Valley and was proud to call Southern Idaho home. Throughout his life, his work was closely tied to farming, ranching, and herding sheep. When he was not farming, Sam also spent many years working at Magic Mountain Ski Resort. For a short time, he lived on and managed the Mason Ranch at Reynolds Creek in the Owyhee Mountains. Afterward, he returned to Filer to care for his mother, Jane, and help tend the family farm. At age 63, Sam met and married the love of his life, Judy A. Basquez. They shared more than 30 years together until Sam’s passing.

Sam was known for many things, most of all for being the life of the party, for his wonderful storytelling, and for his familiar chuckle. He had a gifted green thumb, which brought him great success in the gardens he tended at home. His gardens were lush, and he was always willing to try growing something new, usually with success. He grew nearly everything, from flowers to grapes. Above all else, Sam held a deep respect and love for his fellow man, for animals, and for the natural world around him.

He is survived by Judy Lancaster; his sister, Mary (Larry) Lundin; Judy’s children, Mark Harvey, Sherry Zaun, David (Jackie) Harvey, and Sandra (Leonard) Terra; Judy’s 12 grandchildren and her 23 great-grandchildren; and Sam’s many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Allen, Leroy, and Tom; his sisters, Sue Lee and Vivian Dunn; and several nieces and nephews.

Sam’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at Idaho Home Health and Hospice for the extraordinary care they provided to Sam.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Filer Cemetery, 2349 E 4000 N, Filer, Idaho.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family in the guestbook section below.