Lance Anthony Wolverton, 55, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday morning, August 11, 2025, at Columbia University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri due to complications from cancer. Lance was born in St. Joseph, Missouri to Merrie Charlotte (Burkhart) and Lawrence Anthony Wolverton on July 18, 1970. Welcoming him to the family was his big sister, Merrie Kathrine. Lance would eventually gain more siblings through a blended family. Lance grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri and was a 1988 graduate of South Park Christian Academy. In his later years he converted to the Catholic faith.
Lance was a hard worker regardless of the job. He loved the outdoors and therefore loved his job as a concrete pourer. He poured concrete for many homes, swimming pools, and other outdoor projects, working for several construction companies including Roger Veale Construction of Clarksdale, MO. A few years ago, he tried a new profession as a cattle ranch hand in Texas and Oklahoma, taking care of livestock, before moving back to the St. Joseph area. He loved animals of all kinds and once had a pet squirrel. He cherished his beloved dogs until an automobile accident forced him to give them up to another loving home. Lance was an avid fisherman. The outdoors called his name often and he answered the call every time.
Lance Anthony was preceded in death by both of his parents, Larry (2003) and Charlotte (2013) Wolverton, and his stepmother, Myrna Edwards Wolverton (2008). He is survived by his daughter Brandi Ashby (Gagee) and granddaughters Scarlett and Molly Ashby of Liberty, MO, daughter Allison Beattie of St. Joseph, and son Nathaniel Wheat, also of St. Joseph. Also surviving is his sister Merrie Wardlow (David) of Troy, Kansas, brother Bill (Vicky) Edwards of Clarksdale, MO, sister Cheryl (Harlan) Roberts and brother Michael (Janna) Ulrich all of St. Joseph. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom he loved and asked about every time he called, and several great nieces and great nephews. He also leaves behind cherished aunts and uncles, cousins, and best friends Kenny and Terra Metcalf, Kevin Meers, and Ryan Kennedy.
A visitation and rosary will take place at 8:00am on August 30, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Easton, MO, followed by Mass at 9:00am. Lance will be buried immediately following the service at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to help with funeral expenses to the Lance Wolverton Memorial Fund in care of the Harman Rhode Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas.
