Dow William Lance was born the son of Samuel Sterling Lance and Lora Edith Harriell Lance on August 1, 1937, in Alton, Missouri, and departed this life January 18, 2014, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 76 years.
He was united in marriage on June 10, 1967 at Alton, Missouri, to Reva Sue Watson.
He is survived by his wife of forty-six years, Reva Lance of Alton, Missouri; two sons, Scotty Lance and wife, Jeannie of West Plains, Missouri, and Denzil Lance and wife, Cindy of Alton, Missouri; four grandchildren, Vincent, David, Shaylin, and Jasmine; two brothers, Van Lance of Affton, Missouri, Emanuel Mac Lance of Granite City, Illinois; one sister, Fern Kirby of Imboden, Arkansas; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sterling and Lora Lance; one infant daughter, Vonda Sue Lance; and three sisters, Zee Bettis, Glee Lance and Fay Burleson.
Dow was a livestock farmer and had been employed by Gray Forest Products, Thomasville Wood Products and was custodian for the Alton R-IV School District for many years.
He enjoyed fishing, gospel music, playing his harmonica and keyboard, but most of all he loved his family and the Lord.
He was a longtime member of the Piney Free Will Baptist Church, where he enjoyed studying the word and Christian fellowship. The last year of his life, he made his home at Brookhaven Healthcare in West Plains, Missouri, where he cherished time shared with family and friends. He will truly be missed by all.
Funeral Services for Mr. Lance will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2014, at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri, with Brother James Ray officiating.
The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home in Thayer from 12:00 noon until service time.
Burial will be in the Lance Cemetery near Alton, Missouri, with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
January 20, 2014 @ 1:03 am
So sorry to learn of your loss. You have my sincere sympathy. Cherish the memories. I will not be able to attend the services, but you will be in my thoughts.
January 20, 2014 @ 5:31 pm
Our prayers and sympathy to the family. Dow and I walked to school when I lived neighbors to the Lance’s in the Many Springs Community. I taught both of his sons in high school. The family has my sincere condolence.
Darrell Strain
January 20, 2014 @ 10:08 pm
Dear Reva, It has been a joy spending time with Dow and yourself when we came to Brookehaven to play music. It was especially nice when Dow was able to play his harmonica with our group. May the Lord give you comfort. My prayers are with you.
January 21, 2014 @ 9:40 am
Denzil, Cindy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I used to deliver meals to Mr. Lance and Reva and he was always so kind and funny. My prayers are with the family.
Dustin
January 21, 2014 @ 3:42 pm
Reva, sorry to hear of your loss. I know Dow will be missed by many. Thinking of you at this time.