Stephen Thomas "Steve" Lancaster

Steve Lancaster, a lifelong Tulsan, well-known local business owner, and talented magician, passed away at age 76 on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, after a period of declining health.

A graveside service will be held on October 10 at 11:00 am at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa.

Stephen Thomas "Steve" Lancaster was born January 12, 1950, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His father, John William Lancaster, worked for John Zink Company, while his mother, Dorothy Jean (Hensley) Lancaster, worked in Marketing at Woolworth Department Store. In the early 60's, the family relocated to Kolkata, India, for 3 years while John managed a project for John Zink Company. The family ultimately returned to Tulsa where, in 1968, Steve graduated from McLain High School.

Steve worked in Advertising at the Tulsa World until he opened Top Hat Magic & Costumes on April Fools' Day 1977. Steve Lancaster's Top Hat Magic and Costumes was a fixture in Tulsa for over 30 years. Thousands of Tulsans experienced the fun, unique, and creepy: from Halloween must-haves to elite theatre makeup, costumes, gags, and a huge selection of magic tricks and props, Top Hat is a core memory for generations.

As a professional magician, he performed thousands of shows, from close-up magic to major stage illusions, in local libraries, restaurants, casinos, at the Tulsa PAC, corporate shows, private shows, and conventions. He was a regular on the "You're On! with Sam Jones" show for several years and had a grounds act at the Tulsa State Fair in 1997. Steve sold Top Hat Magic in 2016 to Brian Bailey so he could focus on Lancaster Wholesale, his successful magic manufacturing business. In July of 2026, Steve was honored with the title of Order of Merlin Excalibur by The International Brotherhood of Magicians for his 50 years of support.

In the last years of his life, Steve suffered a series of strokes. He was dedicated to his therapy and recovery, never losing focus or hope. He continued performing magic and mentoring local magicians until just days before his death.

Steve frequently donated his performances to help local nonprofits and fundraisers. One of the many ways he gave back was by performing for children at the Oklahoma Firefighters Burn Camp. Memorial donations may be made in his honor at okffburncamp.org/donate.

Steve will be lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and fellow magicians.

"Magic is the only honest profession. A magician promises to deceive you, and he does." -Karl Germain