05/22/2026
Lance Aaron Quinlan, 27, of Boonville, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. During his illness, he faced every challenge with grace and strength that left all who witnessed it in awe.
Lance was a graduate of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School and Boonville High School. He went on to further his education at State Technical College and Central Methodist University, before beginning his career as a Carrier Sales Representative with Worldwide Express in Kansas City.
Lance had a deep love for life and the people who shared it with him. He cherished time spent with family, friends, and his beloved dog, Roxy. He also enjoyed family vacations including a cherished trip to Germany that held special memories for him. He found joy in golf, fishing, boating, video gaming, and the great outdoors. He loved history and enjoyed fast cars and classic rock. A true movie buff, he could quote nearly any movie from memory. He was known for his quick wit and razor-sharp humor. He always had the perfect one-liner, was always the one making everyone laugh, and would light up any room with his smile. Lance was easygoing and playful by nature and yet possessed wisdom well beyond his years.
Lance balanced an unforgettable sense of humor with a deeply humble heart. He was quiet and unassuming, never one to seek attention. In the midst of his own suffering, his greatest concern was for the hearts of those he loved. His strength became a source of inspiration for all who witnessed it. Lance never complained or asked, "Why me?" He simply picked up his cross and carried it with courage, resilience, and even humor, displaying unshakable faith until his very last breath.
Lance was deeply loved by his family. The bond he shared with his brothers was something extraordinary — they were not simply brothers, but also best friends. Their love, loyalty, and unwavering support throughout his journey stood as a beautiful testament to who Lance was and the bonds he inspired. Those who knew him admired his empathy, kindness, and thoughtfulness in equal measure. Affectionately known as “King Lance” among his aunts, uncles, and cousins, he held a treasured place in the hearts of all who knew him.
Throughout his illness, Lance leaned deeper into his faith with Psalm 23 becoming a wellspring of comfort and courage. He often reminded those around him, “I’m going to be cured — here or in Heaven.” During his darkest moments, Lance drew others closer to God through the quiet power of his unwavering faith. He understood that this life was temporary, and spoke of Heaven not with fear, but with anticipation — as the ultimate destination, the truest goal. Today, we find peace in knowing he has reached it. “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Lance is survived by his beloved parents, Brenda and Bruce Quinlan, of Boonville, Missouri; brother Rhett Quinlan and fiancée Emma Goff of Kansas City, Missouri; brother Cass Quinlan of Kansas City, Missouri; and his beloved grandparents Jerry and Loretta Quinlan of Boonville, Missouri. Lance is also survived by 15 aunts and uncles, 36 cousins, and numerous friends whose lives he touched in ways that will never be forgotten. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Roy and Bernice Eichelberger and cousin, Sawyer Quinlan.
Lance leaves behind an immeasurable void in the lives of all who loved him. His light will continue to shine. It lives on in the hearts he touched, guiding those who remain with faith, love, courage, and hope.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Lance’s memory to contribute to Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School or the Lance Quinlan Foundation, established to carry forward the compassion, faith, and generosity that defined his life. The Foundation is dedicated to supporting those battling cancer, lifting families from extreme poverty, and opening doors of opportunity through scholarships — causes that reflect Lance’s deep empathy for those facing life’s hardest battles. To learn more, visit lancequinlanfoundation.org (underway).
A Visitation and rosary will be held on Friday, May 29, from 5-8 p.m. at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Boonville. For those unable to attend, the rosary and eulogy will be live-streamed from 5-6pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 30, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Howard-Millard Funeral Home, 1397 Ashley Rd., Boonville, Mo 65233 (660) 882-3381. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.howardfh.com.