Scott Phillip Lance

Scott Phillip Lance of Maryville, Missouri, was promoted to eternal life with Christ on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the age of 41.

Born September 30, 1984, to Phillip and Genine Lance of Graham, Missouri, Scott was a cherished son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and friend. He graduated from Nodaway-Holt High School in Graham in 2003 and devoted 22 years of his working life to Laclede Chain. 

More than anything, Scott was a servant. He loved Jesus deeply and longed for everyone he met to know Him as their loving Savior. His faith was not simply something he spoke about; it was something he lived. Scott gave freely of his time, his talents, his compassion, and his heart. He saw people, loved them well, and looked for ways to encourage, help, and serve those around him. He was, quite simply, one of the kindest people you could ever meet. 

Scott’s love of people found a beautiful expression through his passion for theatre. He served as president of the Nodaway Community Theater Company and the Rose Theatre in Maryville, where he poured countless hours into acting, directing, writing, and producing. He especially treasured the opportunity to work with the talented young people of the community, helping them discover their gifts and giving them a place to shine. He directed numerous productions and acted in innumerable others, bringing creativity, humor, heart, and excellence to every performance.

Scott was also a brilliant writer and actor who wrote, produced, and directed his own play—a testament to his imagination, dedication, and love for the art of storytelling. For Scott, theatre was more than entertainment. It was a way to bring people together, encourage others, create memories, and share something meaningful with his community. 

Outside of theatre, Scott enjoyed camping, hiking, riding his motorcycle, and listening to music of every kind. Above all, he loved his family. They were among his greatest joys, and his love for them was evident in the countless ways he gave of himself. 

Scott was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lloyd and Mildred Lance and Gene and Betty Wester.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sunshine Lance; his cherished daughter, Dinah Lance; stepchildren, Eleanor and Barrett Williams; parents, Phil and Genine Lance; sisters, Kara (Jesse) Marsh and Lisa (Tanner) Lance; nieces and nephews, Aidan, Avery, Adalyn, Annika, Brooklyn, Kyson, Jaxton, Emma, Aiden, Coralee, Willow, Abbie (Lathen), Shalini, Miriam, Winston, and Jensen; father- and mother-in-law, Greg and Alice Davis; three sisters-in-law, Bobbie (Kabir) Bansal, Amber (Wade) Balch, Emily Davis; one brother-in-law, Dustin (Chongbei) DeGraffenreid, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, colleagues, and friends.

Scott leaves behind a legacy of faithful service, creative passion, and, most of all, love. He loved Jesus, he loved people, and he gave himself generously to both. The lives he touched through his faith, his family, his friendships, his work, and his theatre will continue to tell the story of a man who sought to make his corner of the world a little brighter.

Though his earthly life ended far too soon, Scott’s greatest hope is now fulfilled: he is at peace. He has found his way home.

Arrangements are under the care of Bram Funeral Home.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 29 from 10:00-11:00am at Laura Street Baptist Church in Maryville, MO. Funeral services will immediately follow at 11:00am with Pastor Paul McKim officiating. The burial will take place at Prairie Home Cemetery in Graham, MO. Memorial contributions are suggested to the family or the Rose Theatre.