A memorial service for Lance LaVerne Cooper, 47, Lawrence, will be 2 pm, Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at Mustard Seed Church.
On the afternoon of July 14, 2016, Lance passed away in his home after a 3 year battle with brain cancer. Lance was 47.
Lance was born on April 11, 1969, in Santa Maria, CA, the son of John B and H. Kay Taylor Cooper.
He graduated from Belle Fourche High School in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. He furthered his education at Southern Mississippi University while graduating from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Lance worked at Transwest Trucking for over 15 years. He was very proud of being a vital part of the Transwest family.
He called Mustard Seed Church in Lawrence, KS his spiritual home with his spiritual life starting in First Congregational Church in Belle Fourche, SD.
Prior to meeting Hope, Lance had a prolonged fascination with the 80’s, haircut and all. Sports dominated his focus. Softball in the summer, football in the Fall- everything Rams (LA and St. Louis), winter was basketball (the sport he loved the most).
Whether it was sports or other activities (music, cards, games & golf) friends were always a part. Everything revolved around family and friends. Usually making family and friends laugh. The only piece missing was a muse for his songs (great voice he had).
Lance married Hope Kamerzell on 8/30/2008 in Sylvan Lake in Custer, SD. She survives of the home.
Although the 80’s remained close to his heart, Hope really did encourage the transformation of Lance into the next century. Lance was immediately hooked by Hope’s son, Ryder. He was born to be a father and quickly set the expectations to always have a great attitude and give forth 100% effort. Hope and Ryder quickly integrated into the family and friend focus with cards, stories, and laughter. Lance made an about face from dare devil to provider. His days of March Madness in Vegas turned to family trips to Nebraska Football, with the stipulation that the game was against Southern Mississippi. Most of his activity revolved around anything that Ryder was involved in – baseball, basketball, band, school.
Regardless of the phase in his life, Lance was always focused on fun and connection. He loved deeply and his life was lived with conviction and care. What Lance was most known for is his humor and pranks on his family and friends.
Other survivors include his parents John and Kay Cooper, Belle Fourche, SD; stepson Ryder Crafton, Lawrence, KS; brothers Brian Cooper, Westminster, CO, Lynn Budmayr, Rogue River, OR; a sister Lesa Budmayr, Belle Fourche, SD.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the University of Kansas Research Center / Brain Cancer, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Our prayers and thoughts for everyone during your time of loss.
Will miss and always remember one of those special one’s you get to meet and have as a friend in life. God Bless you Lance and family, in my prayers and for sure my memories, heaven is enriched on this day.
John & Kay, I know how hard it must be to lose one of your children and I pray you will have the strength to accept his leaving this world and waiting for you in a better place. When Fred Wilson spoke at Mom’s funeral, I took a message from his sermon that made me feel better “We would meet again with our loved ones, but not in the same form.” I am looking forward to this when my time comes.
Hope and Ryder, my thoughts are with you today, as they have been for some time now. The hole left in your lives by losing Lance will be hard to fill, but you have each other and your family. May Love and strength surrounds you from family and friends.
Hope and Family,
Sending my condolences and praying God’s comfort and love will shine during the passing of your love one.
As a new employee with Summit Truck Equipment, my first few conversations with Lance made it immediately apparent that Lance was a very special person. Smart, helpful, kind, funny and always going the extra mile. This world has lost a wonderful person that we can all admire and sorely miss. God bless the family and my prayers are with all.
It seems so unfair that the good ones leave us early. John and Kay and Hope and Ryder I am so sorry to hear about Lance, I hope all the messages help you find peace during this trying time.
John, Kay, Lisa and All,
We are so sorry to hear of Lance’s death. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
The entire Myers family mourns with you all in Lance’s passing. His light touched all of us and his kindness always appreciated. From the earliest of softball games to the “hay bale Olympics” and on, our memories are warm and precious to us. He brought such joy to our lives. God bless you all.
Asking God to wrap His loving arms around you all. Lance will be missed. His life was a joy to be remembered! Hugs~
Our condolences! Lifting you all in prayer.
Hope and Family
I am very sorry for your loss. While I did not ever get a chance to meet Lance, he seemed like a great and caring guy. May you and your family be comforted at this sad time.
What a contagious smile he had! My heart is heavy for you, Ryder and your families. You are all in my prayers as I know God is with each and everyone of you during this very difficult time and in all the days to come. God Bless you all!
My thoughts and prayers are with Lance’s family and friends. The world lost a great man, and I was truly blessed to be able to have him as my friend.
Lance’s obituary is so beautiful. What a guy! Your family has been in my prayers and will continue to be. Thinking of all of you with love.
John, Kay and family,
Lance was one of those guys that just made the world a better place. May the love and laughter you shared bring you peace in the days ahead. So very sorry for your loss….
Lance is free now, and we are left to mourn. Hope, Ryder, John, Kay, Brian, Lynn & Lesa, and all who know our family are with you in spirit. So much love will get us through this. Let’s celebrate Lance’s beautiful soul.
Our hearts are broken for all of you, Hope, Ryder, John, Kay, Brian and wife. We will continue to pray for you. Our thoughts are certainly with you all. God Bless.