Lance Douglas Anderson

Lance Douglas Anderson, 63, passed away at home in Carlos in the devoted care of his wife, Tammye, on Monday, December 29, 2025, after a brief but fierce battle with glioblastoma.

Lance was born in Hearne, Texas, on June 7, 1962, to James Edison (Eddie) and Jane Hairston Anderson. Lance was the third child born to the family following older siblings Ray and Jan and was privileged to grow up in the Rose Marie Addition of Hearne during a time when bicycles were transportation and streetlights were curfew. Jane told anyone who was still long enough that Lance was her easiest child to raise. All Lance needed to be happy was a toy car, dirt pile or dog, screwdriver, hammer and pliers and something to tinker with. Lance had a blessed childhood full of love, lots of family, pets, Hot Wheels, a dirt pile by the driveway, and the best bunch of neighborhood friends God placed on earth.

Lance attended Hearne High School, Class of 1981, and began self-employment as a teenager in school operating a Backhoe and Earth Moving business. Also known as an accomplished mechanic, Lance installed his first motor in a 1968 Ford truck (later known as ‘Moses’) at the tender age of 9. He sincerely loved to build, repair and tinker, especially when doing so served to help someone else. Lance served the citizens of Hearne as a volunteer firefighter for many years and was proud of his service.

Lance married the love of his life, Tammye Layne Gonce, on April 7, 2001, and was just shy of their 25th wedding anniversary at his passing. Lance and Tammye had big plans, loved to travel together, visit friends and family, and looked so forward to the golden years. Lance and Tammy loved Nashville, Alabama countryside, Caribbean cruising, and even took a Duck Commander Cruise. They lived on country property shared with Tammye’s parents and truly took care of each other. Lance loved to get a rise out of Charlotte, most recently and affectionately known as “the Blind Buzzard,” and to run much needed interference for Fred, whenever possible.

An avid outdoorsman, Lance really loved to hunt – deer, dove, quail, turkey – you name it. He grew up exposed to hunting with his dad, uncles, brother and cousins. It wasn’t a holiday if the house wasn’t full of hunters, pallets on the floor, and stories. Lance was a storyteller himself and loved to play pranks on friends to create those stories. Lance possessed the beautiful ability to laugh at himself as well, and those debacles were some of his favorite tales. Oh, how I wished he could tell you his scuba story.

At the time of his death, Lance had been employed as a heavy equipment fleet mechanic for the City of Bryan for 16 years. He thoroughly enjoyed his work and co-workers and grieved not being able to work those last few months. The family thanks the City of Bryan, Bobby Walker and crew, for their commitment to and support of Lance during his illness.

Lance is survived by his wife, Tammye, of Carlos; brother Ray and Candy Anderson (Franklin); sister Jan Anderson Roe (Wheelock); in-laws Fred and Charlotte Gonce (Carlos); brother-in-law Brad and Rachel Gonce (Centerville); nephews Daniel and Kim Anderson and Matthew and Krista Anderson (Franklin), Jevin and Gerhig “G” Gonce (Centerville); niece Callie Roe (Bryan), and the most entertaining and talented great nephews and nieces – Walker, Harlie, Everly, RJ, Zoey and Brooks.

We were blessed to have shared life with Lance and thank God for sharing him with us. He was the most special human being, and if you knew him, you knew that. Special acknowledgement of devoted life-long friends Steve Schlottman and Bobby Trapp – you are family too. Special thanks to Cheri and Chad Biddle for their invaluable and faithful support.

The family requests that donations be made to the Hearne Volunteer Fire Department or Urgent Animals of Hearne.

Arrangements are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Hearne, with visitation on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., and a Celebration of Life at the First Baptist Church of Hearne, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Graveside will follow at Norwood Cemetery.