He was the youngest of four children. He was drafted in March 1966 and served in the United States Army as a combat medic during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Silver Star, the third highest military decoration for valor in combat. He met and married Norma Arnold in San Antonio, Texas, on May 31, 1968, while at Fort Sam Houston Army Base where he was stationed upon returning from Vietnam. They moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado and then to Elizabeth where they raised their three children Carolyn, Brandon and Tammy.
Lance had many talents and positions including, machinist for the Apollo space program, truck driver, mechanic and ‘the best’ auto parts salesman. He proudly served in the Elizabeth Fire Department as a volunteer from 1974 to 1996 as a firefighter, Engineer, Lieutenant and Assistant Chief. Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors for Elizabeth Fire from 1990 to 1998.
He is survived by his wife, Norma; three children, Carolyn, Brandon and Tammy, daughter-in-law, Kim; sister Kay (Norm); eight grandchildren, Dalton, Dillon (Keghan), Clayton, Dakota, Dominic, Kyle, Michael and Garrett; one great grandchild Westin. He is preceded in death by his parents, Perry and Judy; siblings, Rick (Donna) and Alma Ray (Phil); daughter Tina.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Elizabeth Middle School in Elizabeth with burial to follow in Elizabeth Cemetery. Visitation will be held Saturday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Elizabeth Middle School. A reception will follow at Elizabeth Middle School after the burial.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his name.
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