Thomas ""Tom"" Lance

Thomas ""Tom"" Lance, 71, of Lakewood passed away on April 18, 2019 at his home surrounded by his wife and loving family. Tom was born on July 27, 1947 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. He was the son of the late LeRoy ""Sarge"" and Helen Lance. Tom married Ann Marie ""Annie"" Ernst on September 17, 1988, and together they shared 30 years of marriage.

Tom lived in many exotic places, as his family was an Air Force family, eventually settling in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. He graduated from Scottsbluff High School and the Scottsbluff Community College, with an associate degree, and Chadron State College, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree. Tom had plans to teach in Wyoming, but fate had other plans. Tom enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War in South Korea, where he worked with computers. When Tom returned home, he entered the world of construction sales, and eventually he and Annie founded National Industrial Construction Supply. Together they were an unstoppable team, Tom the consummate salesman, knowing all his customers needs and wants, and Annie keeping the flow of supplies, deliveries and office humming along.

Tom was a kind soul who loved his wife Annie dearly. He was a willing purse carrier for his mother-in-law, as he lent an arm, and he loved family gatherings. He enjoyed spending time with his dog, Jack, and his Corvette. No person was ever a stranger for long, and Tom listened to everyone’s stories.

In addition to his wife, Annie, he is survived by his mother-in-law and special friend, Patricia Ernst. Also survived by sister-in-laws, Laurie (Greg) Clark, Carrie (John) Thompson; niece and nephews, David (Kathleen) Kling, Mike Kling, Jamie (Hayden) Pecha, Will Clark, Nick Thompson, and Alex Thompson.

Tom Lance was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jeananne Kling; brother-in-law, Bernard Kling, and sister-in-law Leigh Typer.

No services will be held at this time, per Tom’s wishes. A memorial service and internment of his ashes will be held in Durango, Colorado this summer.