Lance Thomas Shaull

Lance Thomas Shaull of Hamlin, Texas was called home to his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024.

Lance was born on March 8, 1958, in Dodge City, Kansas to Marion and Betty Shaull. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work. He began driving combines at the age of 12. One of the things he loved most was harvesting with his dad as a partner at Marion Shaull and Son’s Custom Harvesting. He was very proud of the fact that they harvested beer barley for Coor’s Farm in Center, Colorado for many years. This career would take him all over the country, including the tiny town of Hamlin, Texas. This would change the trajectory of his life, because he would meet and fall in love with his Baby Doll, otherwise known as Gayleta Flowers. They married at Faith Lutheran Church in Sagerton, Texas on December 6th, 1986. They had a long and happy marriage of 37 years and had one daughter Sadie (Shaull) Crouch. Sadie was Lance’s pride and joy. He never hesitated to tell her how proud he was of her. Lance loved nothing more than being her dad—that is until he became a Papa. He often said that he and Gayleta should have started with grandkids! After his time of harvesting, he worked at Pied Piper Feed Mill and soon after found himself hauling oil for Pride, which would eventually become Sunoco, and most recently Energy Transfer. He worked for this same company for over thirty years, was a million-mile driver, and won multiple safety awards. He was very proud of his accomplishments as a truck driver. 

Lance never knew a stranger. Everyone he knew (or knew of) was a friend. He called many people his best friends. His smile was infectious, demanding everyone else follow suit. His kindness was unmatched. He always saw the best in people and in every situation. Positivity seemed woven into his DNA, even when faced with the diagnosis that would eventually take his life. In reality, his condition shouldn’t have allowed him to live longer than six months after discovery. But he pressed on for another 28 months and continued hauling oil for the majority of that time. Whenever given the option to take a break or discontinue treatment, he always chose to try another route. He loved life and wanted to continue living, and his family and friends are grateful for every moment they got. 

Lance loved the Lord with his whole heart, and this was evident to all who knew him. It defined him as a person. He was very spiritual and talked to God often. He knew the Scripture well and was constantly hungry to learn more. Lance was also a man of many talents. He taught himself to play guitar as a teenager and was a gifted singer. He could shoot a mean game of pool. His years of working on machinery made him able to fix anything on wheels. He also thought he was really good at computers and technology—although that could easily be debated. In addition to all of this, he had a special relationship with animals. He cared deeply for his cat Charlie, as well as Ama and Moose (Sadie’s dog and cat). And we can’t forget his very distinct style. He loved to wear bright colors and bold patterns. Shopping was one of his favorite hobbies. And he called his unibrow his “beauty mark”, refusing to shave it no matter how crazy it drove his family.

Lance loved life and always had fun. He could hold a conversation with anyone for any amount of time. He had many friends that he made throughout his life. More recently, in the midst of this diagnosis, he and Gayleta found New Beginnings Church in Hamlin where they would become members and connect with friends who would become more like family. Being with his church family was one of the joys of Lance’s life. He enjoyed driving his truck, calling loved ones just to chat, going to waterparks, watching action movies, listening to rock and roll, and, more than anything, playing with his grandkids Elliot and Emery, better known as “Little Buddy” and “Sugar Booger”. They were the light of his life, and he soaked up every second he got with them. Elliot loved playing outside and watching Spidey with Papa. Emery would light up and smile from ear to ear every single time she saw him, especially when he played guitar and sang. He often said she made him feel like Elvis Presley.

Lance is preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Betty Shaull; his nephew, Danny Shaull; as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Gayleta Shaull; daughter, Sadie (Shaull) Crouch and son-in-law, Bradley Crouch; grandson, Elliot Bruce Crouch and granddaughter, Emery Jean Crouch; brother, Warren Shaull and his wife, Donna; brother, Bruce Shaull; sister, Brenda Shaull; nieces (Shellie, Stephanie, and Sophie), nephews (Nolan and Micah); brothers-in-law, Donnie Smith and Johnny Flowers; nephew by marriage but who was especially important to him, Patrick Smith with his wife Julie and their son Vincent; many aunts and uncles; several great-nieces and nephews; and the Gary and Sheila Cowan family who aren’t related by blood, but might as well be. Lance was very loved and will be missed dearly.

The family wants to include a special thank you to Dr. Jose Velasco, Dr. Claude Denham, Dr. Bhaskara Reddy Madhira, and Hendrick Hospice for the kindness they showed and the care they gave to Lance over the last two and a half years.