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.
