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Lance Thompson Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Lance Thompson
Melanie Smith
March 26, 2025
Happy Birthday Lance!!! Your nephew, Mac, and nieces Karanie and Annabelle came with me to sing happy birthday, blow birthday whistles, and send off balloons with birthday messages. As we started to leave, Annabelle said, "Oh no I want my balloon." I told her that we sent them to tell Uncle Lance happy birthday." She promptly stated, "My balloon doesn't have a mouth." I told her we sent a note... she was ok with that. Happy Birthday my dearest son. You are deeply loved and missed by your family and friends. Love you so much! Mom
Debra A. Estep
November 15, 2024
Dearest Melanie . . . I took this photo from my backdoor here in Illinois, just a few days ago. The rainbow, the heart in the clouds.... To me it's a Hello from Heaven. Love & Prayers Always . . .
Melanie Thompson Smith
November 15, 2024
11-15-2024
My Dearest son, Lance:
20 years...how can that be? My heart hurts like it were yesterday. Your brothers and family miss you like it were yesterday. Your bright eyes with a mischievous smile are missed like it were just yesterday. Wasn´t it just yesterday you were with us?
Today it is 20 years without you here physically with us. The day that left a Lance shaped hole in our hearts. However, it has also been 20 years that you have been with us spiritually. Giving us "God Winks" from Heaven...sending us coins from Heaven... to make us smile and know you are near. We look for those little signs each day...you do not disappoint.
Today I will take your nephew, Mac (named after you), and your nieces, Karanie and Annibelle, to visit you at the cemetery and send balloons up with messages to whomever may find them about you and your love for your family, friends, and country. Wouldn´t it be something if this year two of your balloons are found? That has never happened...usually only one is found a year. They are so excited to visit you. That never knew you but they do KNOW you.
Wasn´t it just yesterday that you were saying, "Hello Mother" with your deep voice? Wasn´t it yesterday that you were running through the yard playing with your brothers and cousins? Wasn´t it yesterday that you and Casey were side-kicks? Wasn´t it just yesterday?
You and your brothers are the 3 best things I have done in my life. I love you always.
Semper Fi and always Gung Ho
Mom
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/lance-m-thompson-obituary?pid=3098235
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWNKk-UOpuU&list=PLdTdWsJEz1X11fowL-e_tvcG19vYQrMQs
Casey Joseph Stanley
September 29, 2024
Thinking about you today and everyday. My son Lincoln was asking about you today. Could not stop recalling the memories to him. Love you, miss you and will see you again!!
Casey Stanley
Melanie Thompson Smith
March 26, 2024
Happy Heavenly Birthday Lance! I can't believe you would be 41 years old today. I often wonder who'd be today. We miss you each and every day. I feel you with me! I remember all your birthdays! Love you forever and ever.
Mom
November 16, 2023
Miss you, nephew
Melanie Thompson Smith
November 15, 2023
Nov. 15, 2023
Today it has been 19 years since we lost Lance. I am always filled with pride at Lance’s determination to become a Marineto get the bad guys and his strong love of family, friends, and country. I will never forget Lance’s last call to me it was on Veterans Day. I will forever remember our last conversation. Lance knew why he was there and he knew what he was fighting forfamily, friends, and country. Lance was so ready to get it done so all could come home and we could be safe.
Lance is deeply missed, forever honored, and always remembered and loved.
I love you, my youngest son! Semper Fi and always Gung Ho!
Mom
Debra Estep
May 26, 2023
Remembering Lance this weekend.
Melanie Thompson Smith
March 26, 2023
Melanie Thompson Smith
March 26, 2023
Melanie Thompson Smith
March 26, 2023
Happy birthday Lance! I can’t believe that my youngest son, my baby, would be 40 years old today! What is even harder to comprehend is that you have been gone almost 19 years now. My mind screams it's not so and my heart cries it's too long and I miss you!
I wonder who you would be? But that thought hurts so I stop myself and know that you are here with us in spirit and I watch for the winks and pennies you send. Your voice and your face echo in my mind’s eye and you will forever be in my heart.
Happy birthday my sweet son my Lancie
Love forever and always Gung Ho
Mom
Pat Shoukry
November 16, 2022
Dear Lance,
How we wish this day in 2004 had never occurred. None of us can rewrite the past, we can only move forward with faith and the courage you displayed to all of us. Remembering you with love and appreciation. Please keep those pennies from Heaven coming for your dear Mom.
Debra Estep
November 15, 2022
You will always hold such a special place in my heart. Covering your dear Mama and ALL who knew you in prayers.
Melanie Smith
November 15, 2022
November 15, 2022
My Dearest Son, Lance,
Today, the second time this year; 2 times each year for 18 years now sending prayer messages to heaven to you, Lance. For 18 years, 24 hours a day, 365 days each yearmissing you. Missing hearing you say “Mother” and seeing that infectious smile and wondering what your life would have been like today. For 18 years, 24 hours a day, 365 days each year wondering how “a broken heart still beats after your child dies.” It beats because of the love given and loved received. It beats because of the honor you have, because of the beautiful life you gave and how that life grew into a loving, caring, kind, strong, and fun-loving young man in the short 21 years of his life. A broken heart beats because to do anything other than that would disrespect the beautiful life given in love of family, friends and country. “A broken heart still beats.”
Lance, last night I started reading the book you had in your things, “Flags of Our Fathers” by James Bradley. I barely got started on the first chapter, but was stricken by the loss of so many in that battle and the fact that it wasn’t just the loss of so many young men but the fact that so many broken hearts had to continue to beat after the loss of their loved ones. Then the fact that over the course of our history there have always been broken hearts that still beat with love and honor. We can do no less for the love and honor of our loved onesto remember---their lives had meaning.
Lance, when I pick up the book “Flags of Our Fathers” I wondered if you had read it all before you deployed or if you marked you place to finish on your return? I am not sure of that question will ever be answered. I don’t think it matters. What matters is that you marked a chapternow 18 years later I find that marked chapter and I now just as I sit here and just as my heart beats-- you, my dearest son, have sent me a message. The chapter title--- “Don’t worry about me, Momma. I’ll be OK.”-from the last letters of an Iwo Jima-bound Marine. And I remember you saying much the same words to me and my broken heart knows that you are OK. So how can I be anything but OK my dearest youngest son. You will always be loved and you will always be missed but we will always be OK.
With so much love, Semper Fi and always Gung Ho
Mom
Debra Estep
May 30, 2022
In remembrance and with my heartfelt thank you for your sacrifice.
Pat Shoukry
March 26, 2022
Happy Birthday Lance!
It's hard to believe that your family, friends and fellow Marines have been celebrating your birthday without you for so long now. In many ways the hurt still seems fresh. To us you will always be forever young. It must be beautiful to be spending your birthday and every day, with the Savior. I can only imagine...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s8HMmvN-Jc
Melanie Thompson Smith
March 26, 2022
Happy Birthday, Lance.
Today we celebrate your 39th birthday. It is so hard to believe that we have now celebrated 18 of your birthdays with you in heaven. We (family, friends, and Marine brothers) miss you so very much. With a smile on my face I often wonder who you'd be today. I am so very thankful for the years you were with us and know that your spirit is with each one of us each day! Sending you all my love!
Mom
Happy Heavenly Birthday - A DAY EARLY :)
Deb Estep
March 25, 2022
Melanie Smith
November 15, 2021
Nov. 15, 2021
My Dearest son, Lance
It seems so hard to fathom that you have been gone for 17 years today. There is never a day that goes by that I don't miss you or that something happens to call you to mind-a God wink---a gift. I also think of all the lives you have touchedyour family, friends, community, Marine brothers, and those you never met but know you now!
Today, your young nephew and niece and I went to see you at Crown Hill Cemetery. They were so excited to send you balloons in heaven to let you know how much we love and miss you here. Mac said he hopes that you will bring back some of the balloons when you come for a visit. You are deeply missed! I continue to send up the balloons with messages for people who find them to let us know. Lance, please continue to send Pennies from Heaven. They always seem to show up when we need them the most and it always makes me smile and gives me hope. Now I put the Pennies (aka-money) I find in a year into Mac and Karanie's scholarship fund. I know you would like that thought. Because of your scholarships there are so many young people getting help to go to college.
Rest well, my young son, all is well.
Semper Fi and always Gung Ho
Mom
Pat Shoukry
May 28, 2021
Dear Lance,
Memorial Day is just the "formal" acknowledgement of your sacrifice for the Land that we Love.
You are remembered with love and appreciation EVERY day!
Much respect to you, Cpl. Lance M. Thompson.
With love and thanks,
Pat
Abraham Loera
March 26, 2021
Happy Birthday!
This is a picture of Lance on our first deployment to Iraq and is in my living room to this day!
A couple Marines just messing around in our living quarters (I believe it was with Jaime Padilla)... acting insane to maintain our sanity hahaha Miss you you buddy!
Jay Elliott
March 26, 2021
Lance we were all blessed to have you our life no matter the amount of time.
Iraq 2004
Melanie Thompson Smith
March 26, 2021
March 26, 2021
Happy 38th Heavenly Birthday, Lance. 38 years ago today was the 3rd best day in my life. My 3 sons have always made me so proud and brought so much joy to my life. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss you Lance. Your family and friends also miss you. We miss that ornery gleam in your eyes, your infectious smile, and your smooth deep voice. There will always be a Lance-shaped hole in our hearts.
I will love and miss you forever.
Always Gung Ho
Mom
Pat Shoukry
November 15, 2020
Hi Lance,
Just stopped by to say you are not forgotten. You will always be remembered with gratitude and love for the ultimate sacrifice you made for the Land and we Love. Rest easy, and keep those pennies from Heaven showing up for your Mom.
With admiration and respect,
Pat
Melanie Smith
November 15, 2020
Remembrance Bell
Melanie Smith
November 15, 2020
Melanie Smith
November 15, 2020
Melanie Smith
November 15, 2020
Melanie Smith
November 15, 2020
Semper Fi and always Gung Ho
Melanie Smith
November 15, 2020
11-15-2020
My Dearest Son, Lance
Another year. I don't need to tell you how much you are missed by your brothers (Matthew and Phillip), your partner in crime (cousin Casey), your family, your Marine brothers, and by me. We will forever have a Lance-shaped hole in our hearts until we see you again to hear your deep voice, your laughter, and see that twinkle of mischief in your eyes.
You are remembered even by those whole never physically met you: when your 2.5 year old nephew playing outside hears your remembrance bellstops what he is doing and runs to your bell and says, Hi Uncle Lance! We are feeding the birds and this is my bicycle. Watch me.; to your Marine brother's son who after his football team's first season win noticed a small breeze blow the American flag. He wanted to thank Lance for helping his team; to 2nd cousins using your hand signal; to an unknown lady who heard Lance's story and wanted to make a cross-stich in remembrance for this year's Veteran's Day. Oh Lance! How you continue to challenge us all in ways that we each need.
My sonSemper Fi and always GUNG HO
Mom
Debra Estep
November 14, 2020
Just a wee bit early, but remembering you on the day you gave all. My ongoing prayers for your family and brothers and sisters in arms.
Pat Shoukry
May 24, 2020
Hi Lance,
You wouldn't believe what's going on down here. There's a pandemic that's affecting the whole world. We're all walking around wearing masks and gloves and people have to stand 6 feet apart. It's definitely not the same place you left and the way it is now, you probably wouldn't even miss it. We do miss, remember, and honor you. Keep sending those pennies from Heaven to your Mom. I think it brings her comfort. All the best, to the best, Pat
Melanie Smith
March 26, 2020
March 26, 2020
My Dearest Son, Lance,
Happy Birthday, honey. Today for the first time since you have been guarding the streets of heaven, I couldnt set off red, white, and blue balloons with your picture and birthday wishes. I know you wont mind as we have had to shut down the country for the virus that has spread. However, I didnt allow the travel ban to keep me from coming to see you and to decorate. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Today you would be 37 years old! The love of a mother can never be replaced and the ache in my heart is there always and each day. I cant believe I have sons in their late 30s and 40s. I dont feel old enoughat least in my mind.
Your little nephew/name-sake, Mac, reminds me of you in many ways. He knows who you are when he sees your pictures or the shirts and challenge coins made to honor you. Thats Uncle Lance! and he smiles.which makes me smile because I know you are there too and so proud of him. He is so very loving and has a good heart. There are times is slip and call him Lance when I talk to him.
I know you are with usyour family and friends. Please help us as you can. I hope that we always make you proud of us. We continue to be your witness. There is not a day that goes by that you are not on my mind and in my heart.
Semper Fi and always Gung Ho
Mom
2nd Bn 5th Marines Whiskey Company
James-Anthony Day
November 16, 2019
Hey Lance it's me Day! It seems like yesterday we sang "I love this bar" by Toby Keith. I can still hear you sing every time I hear that song. It has been 15 years since that day. I know I never said this to you when we lived in the old barracks. It was surely an honor to serve with you. But it was also a blessing to be able to call you my friend. I will never forget you, and I will always make sure everyone I meet knows that you are what heroes are made of. We will meet again brother in Valhalla! Until then, SEMPER FI DEVIL DOG
Tim Horn
November 15, 2019
Brother for life
SEMPER FI
My lifestyle is my death style
November 15, 2019
Miss you brother! I will forever remember you. Glad you came and visited me that day. Wish I would've known it was that last time. You're gone too soon. Rest easy my friend and see you at the gates!
Memorial Day - 2019
Pat Shoukry
May 25, 2019
Hello Lance,
It's hard to believe it will be 15 years on the 15th of November that you were taken from us. Each time I come here my computer screen gets blurry. I can only imagine how your dear Mom feels. Please know that I keep her in my prayers as I keep your memory in my heart. I will always recognize and forever be grateful for the sacrifice you made on behalf of our nation.
With love and much respect,
Pat Shoukry
Melanie Thompson Smith
March 26, 2019
Melanie Thompson Smith
March 26, 2019
Melanie Thompson Smith
March 26, 2019
Melanie Thompson Smith
March 26, 2019
Melanie Thompson Smith
March 26, 2019
My Dearest Son, Lance,
Today we celebrate what would have been your 36th birthday. We celebrate all that you brought to our lives in the 21 years you lived and we celebrate what your life brought to us after you went to help guard the street of Heaven. You are loved and missed each and every day. Time does not make the longing and love any lessit just makes it different.
This letter, like all the letters I have written on your birthday and Angelday, is written with love and respect to you and all that you wanted to accomplish with your life. I look over all the letters I have written over the years and know that I have expressed so many of my thoughts. I know with every breath I take that you are with usyour family, friends, and Marine brothers, each and every day. You come to each of us in small ways and in big ways. You come to us in words that you said in a moment and our minds flash to you. You come to us in notes left by strangers on windshields in parking lots. You come to us when scholarships are presented at your high school and at the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. You touched our lives in your 21 years of living and as we live our lives and watch for your Heaven winks you still touch us these 15 years in Heaven.
I know that the words I wrote can be written in many other ways. However, it all comes to thisyou will never be forgotten and you will forever be missed.
With All My LoveForever,
Mom
Remembering ... ALWAYS <3
Debra Estep
November 15, 2018
Melanie Thompson Smith
November 15, 2018
November 15, 2018
My Dearest Son, Lance,
You would think that after 14 years this yearly letter would be easier to write. It does NOT. I have spent the last hour and 30 minutes doing everything but put my thoughts down in a letter to you. I miss you deeply each and every day. I think I get better at handling and controlling the pain of not hearing your deep voice say, Hello Mother and seeing that little twinkle of orneriness come to your blue eyes. It will never be easy and the pain of your being taken will never leave my heart. I do pray that I will always show the honor and respect.
However, there are many gifts that I look for each day. One of those gifts came with a reunion of your 2/5 Communications Unit this year. I am so thankful that the Semper Fi Fund sponsored this awesome event this past October. So many of your Marine brothers where able to attend and I am thankful and grateful they wanted to include your family. Words will never convey how special these men are in the way they honor and remember their fallen brothers. They shared so many loving and funny memories.
Lance, your family, friends, and Marine brothers will always have a Lance-shaped hole in their heart but that hole is filled with many loving and happy memories of you, and the life you lived, and the honor and respect you showed to all those around you. I pray that we will always honor you, those who fought and carry on, and the many fallen heroes that have given all to ensure we have the Freedoms we enjoy daily.
Today it has been 14 years since the Marines came to my door and one of my Blue Stars turned Gold. My deepest prayer is that EVERYONE stands to honor and respect those who fight and those who protect our country both at home, in the streets, and in faraway lands. I pray that EVERYONE takes a knee for those we have lost not only in wars but here at home protecting us each day. You all deserve no less.
Semper Fi and always Gung Ho
Mom
Melanie Thompson Smith
November 15, 2018
Melanie Thompson Smith
November 15, 2018
Melanie Thompson Smith
November 15, 2018
Melanie Thompson Smith
November 15, 2018
Pat Shoukry
May 12, 2018
I will be off the grid on Memorial Day, so I'm posting this message a little early. I will never forget the supreme sacrifice Lance made for the Land that we Love, and I will always acknowledge his courage and remember him with a grateful heart.
With love and respect,
Pat
"A man is not dead until he is forgotten" ~ T.S. Elliott
Richard Clark
May 7, 2018
Melanie,
I used to be a paratrooper at Fort Bragg.
Im with a running group that would like to run a race in tribute of Lance. We carry full size USA flags and then give them to the family after the race.
Please look us up on FB and get in touch. (you can search FB for Flags 4 Fallen).
https://m.facebook.com/flags4fallen/
Melanie Thompson Smith
March 26, 2018
My Dearest Son, Lance,
Today you would have celebrated your 35th birthday. To say that out loud seems impossible. I look into the eyes of your new nephew (named after you) and it's like I am looking into the eyes of you and your middle brother, Phillip. McGregor (Mac) looks so VERY much like you and his daddy, Phillip. Time seems so small then. All your little looks, smiles, giggles, gurgles, and tears come flooding back and 35 years seems like no time at all. All the love and fears of a mother also come flooding back. I wonder if you knew the depth of my love AND my fears?
13 yearsI miss you so much and the thought of you gone takes my breath. I look for the giftsthe penny, your brothers, a person from your past, a shared memory, your nephew's eyes (so like yours) looking into my soul, and the upcoming reunion of your 2/5 Communications Unit. So many blessings.
Happy Birthday in Heaven my dearest Lance.
With all my love,
Mom
Debra Estep
February 22, 2018
Hey Buddy.... Thinking of you.
Tom Reese
November 15, 2017
Melanie Thompson Smith
November 15, 2017
November 15, 2017
My Dearest Son, Lance,
Thirteen years ago you paid the ultimate sacrifice for your love of family, friends, country, and those people in faraway lands that were longing for the freedoms you fought so hard to ensure.
So today I honor you, your CO, Captain Patrick Rapicult, and Cpl. Marc Ryan. In a heartbeat, three families and numerous loved ones were affected this day by your loss. However, we are to this day also affected by your love.
Lance, each day I see your smile and I hear your deep voice say, Hello, Mother. Many times during the day I feel your strength and love there to support mejust as if you are there beside me.
There are no words left to say that I haven't said before. You know how much you are loved and missed. You know how we strive to make you proud and to always show your honor with each scholarship given, each event we attend, and each thought and memory we have and share. You will not be forgotten nor will our love and pride of you be forgotten. Hope we make you proud. Semper Fi and always Gung Ho.
With All My Love,
Mom
Pat Shoukry
May 29, 2017
Dear Lance,
I'm writing today from South Sinai, Egypt; which is roughly 800 miles from where you made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. I couldn't let this Memorial Day go by without stopping here to thank you. Your bravery and patriotism will never be forgotten.
With loving respect,
Pat Shoukry
Aaron B
May 23, 2017
Found a tag off a balloon near Ligonier, IN today, Marcy 23, 2017. Thanks for your service
Debra Estep
March 26, 2017
Happy Birthday <3
Melanie Thompson Smith
March 26, 2017
Melanie Thompson Smith
March 26, 2017
Happy Birthday Lance! Today you would have been 34 years old. So many thoughts and memories from years past are going through my mind. I do celebrate them and I am so thankful for them. It doesn't mean that you are missed any less, nor are you forgotten. I know that just as there are stars during the day, there but unseen, so are you. Each day, though you are not here physically, I do hear your laughter and see the light in your eyes in many things around me.
Last night I read and re-read one of your favorite books to your second cousin, Scarlett. The book was, The Spooky Old Tree with the Bernstein Bears. Was it like reading it to you when you were smallnot at all! Did it bring Scarlett and me pleasure? Yes, just as it did when I read it to you. Did she get tired of hear itnojust like you she wanted it read over and over. I didn't understand all those years ago that it wasn't just about the bookit was about being close, sitting there on my lap or laying there beside me before you fell asleep.
Yes, I felt you there as Scarlett helped me release the red, white, and blue balloons to the wind with messages tied to each balloon. Yes, I felt you there as Scarlett put many yellow roses and one red rose in a vase to represent that many family and friends love and miss you now and forever. Remembering you; each person in their own way and not just today but on many days.
Happy Birthday my dear son.
Semper Fi and always Gung Ho!
Mom
DK
November 30, 2016
Just found a balloon launched in honor of US Marine Cpl. Thompson in our back yard. Greenfield, IN. Words don't seem adequate to express the loss of an American hero. DK
Liz Thompson
November 15, 2016
You are not forgotten. Semipermanent Fidelis
Sgt. (Liz) Thompson
[email protected]
Melanie Thompson Smith
November 15, 2016
November 15, 2016
My Dearest Son,
There is nothing more I can say that I haven't said in the past 12 years. You are still DEEPLY missed and lovedby your familyfriendsMarines brothersand even those who never knew you directly but know your love of family, friends, and country.
Forever there will be a Lance shaped hole in our hearts that can never be filled. We can only pray that we can honor you and other Fallen Heroes by sharing your stories. I pray we always make you proud.
Semper Fi and always GUNG HO
With Love Forever
Mom
Thank you...........
Debra Estep
July 4, 2016
Our Heroes are guarding the Gates of Heaven.
Pat Shoukry
May 28, 2016
Dear Lance,
You promised to defend America and you kept that sacred oath. I promise I will never forget your sacrifice as long as there is breath in my body.
It's almost Memorial Day, and that always reminds me of your courage and the fact that when you enlisted, you wrote a blank check to the United States of America in the amount up to and including your life. Sadly, that check was cashed November 15, 2004.
With a heavy, but grateful heart,
Pat
Aunt Miss
March 26, 2016
Happy birthday, Lancie
A Lance shaped hole
Melanie Thompson Smith
March 26, 2016
33 years ago today I received the 3rd blessing in my life, Lance McGregor Thompson. My sons have blessed my life in ways I never imagined. I have always been extremely proud of each of them and worried that I would not be the kind of mother that each one needed (as each son is unique and challenging). Lance, you are loved and missed each day. Thank you for being the kind of son that I needed. Happy Birthday, Lancie.
Semper Fi and always Gung Ho
Mom
jim walker
December 7, 2015
found lance's balloon today and wanted to say thank you for your sacrifice in keeping our nation safe. god bless
November 15, 2015 ... My Ohio yard... Remembering Lance today. Love Mrs E.
Debra Estep
November 15, 2015
Scott Hill
November 15, 2015
Semper Fi Lance! You are gone but not forgotten.
Melanie Thompson Smith
November 15, 2015
L Thompson
July 27, 2015
Cpl - You and I spoke moments before your convoy left the gate in Ramadi; we joked about our last names. I vividly remembering the news of your vehicle. 10+ years later, you're not forgotten.
Semper Fi Marine
Pat Shoukry
May 24, 2015
Dear Lance,
I couldn't let Memorial Day pass without stopping here to tell you that because of your sacrifice, I look at this day differently. I know that it is so much more than pool parties, B-B-Qs and trips to the mall. When someone gives their last ounce of devotion so that his fellow countrymen can remain free, that is a life worth celebrating. You will always be a person worthy of honor and remembrance in my eyes. Keep looking out for your fellow Marines and sending those comforting signs to your Mom.
All the best, to the best!
With a grateful heart,
Pat
Pat Shoukry
March 27, 2015
Dear Lance,
Remembering you today with love, pride, respect and gratitude.
Happy Birthday in Heaven.
Pat
Melanie Thompson Smith
March 26, 2015
March 26, 2015
My Dearest Son,
Lance, 32 years ago today, you came into our lives. It is so hard to say the words that you have been guarding the streets of Heaven for now for a little over 10 years. In some ways it seems that the Marines were at my door just last night. It other ways, these have been the longest and loneliest 10 years without your laugh and without your ornery smile and shining eyes. You are missed by your family, friends, and Marine brothers just as much today and the day you had to leave. I know that you are still with us and I know that you still send us all little messages each day; some we see and some we may miss but we will always know you are with us.
I wished that Heaven had a phone. It would be so nice to be able to call and say, Good Morning! It's time to wake up! Wake up! Wake up! like I used to do when you were still homelike I told you I wanted to do the last time we spoke while you were in Iraq. Your response to my wanting to be there in Iraq made me laugh. You said, Mom, you would fit right in with these CO's, but I don't want you here. I am here so this won't come home. I understood but. It would be so warming to hear your deep, smooth voice.
You will always be loved! You will always be missed! We will always be proud of you! We will always look for your messages as we go through our lives but knowing we will hear you laugh and see your smiling eyes when God calls us together again.
Happy Birthday Lance.
Semper Fi and always Gung Ho
With all my love,
Mom
John Surber
January 25, 2015
We just found information on Lance attached to a balloon on our farmland in Clinton County Ohio. Our deepest sympathy to the family and our greatest appreciation for his sacrifice. The line on the balloon tag "Freedom isn't free and we have a price to pay for it." is forever sobering. We very much acknowledge and will remember the supreme sacrifice all have paid.
John M. Surber Sabina, Ohio
Allysha Brown
December 22, 2014
Lance,
I know I have never met you, but do hear a lot about you from your dad, Greg. I work for him. I know he misses you & was very proud of you! Through his stories & reading about you, I am proud of you too! I appreciate all you did & have done for us all!
With deep respect,
Allysha
Pat Shoukry
November 15, 2014
Dear Lance,
Just wanted to stop by on this, the 10th anniversary of the day you gave your life for our great country to say that you are not forgotten.
You represent all the characteristics we, as Americans admire...courage, patriotism and loyalty.
Your memory will always remain in our hearts.
With love, gratitude and respect,
Pat
jennifer
November 15, 2014
You are never forgotten, even by those of us who never had the great pleasure of knowing you personally. You touched many lives and continue to do so. Semper Fi and always Gung Ho
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Golf Tournament
Melanie Thompson Smith
November 15, 2014
My dearest son, Lance,
Today marks the 10th year of your Angel Date. Trying to express, in words, all the emotions that are swimming around in my head and heart is just impossible. I am so very thankful that I had the years and the memories with you while you were here, but so angry and selfish that God couldn't/wouldn't let you stay longer to build more memories.
Every day I wake up and look for the “gifts” in my life. These gifts make my heart soar. As I am thinking over the course of the past, there are just too many to even count. There are the gifts of your brothers and all that happens each day in their lives (new homes, families, job and careers). There are the gifts of extended family members (new babies, family dinners, and get-togethers). There are the gifts from your friends (emails, calls, stories, books, and visits). There are the gifts from the community/country that you so loved and wanted to protect for the future (golf tournaments for your scholarship fund, deer hunting memorials, and memorial bands all to honor you). I even see gifts in children at play, boys being ornery and their looks and smiles, commercials of items falling in a closet, camo pants, tall lanky boys being boys, and songs that could have been written about you. These are the gifts of a renewed memory of you at different times in your life. All “Pennies from Heaven”…pennies from you to show that you are still here if not in body then always in spirit. I am always looking for your gifts. There are so very many people who loved you that looking for your gifts in their lives is very easy for me to do. I am so extremely thankful to your friends and buddies. I think they can never know the depth of true appreciation for their parts in your life.
I miss you each and every day. I know there will never be a day in my life that I won't miss you. I also know that the Lance-shaped hole will always ache. I know that some days that is a quiet type of missing you. There are some days that are the loud and very angry type of missing you. There will always be that Lance-shaped hole in my heart and in my life…in the lives of all the people you have touched on your journey through this life. We are all the better for having been touched by you and for you being a part of our lives.
My dearest Lance, thank you for all the gifts you have brought to my life…family, friends, community, and country. Thank you for picking me as one of your parents. I pray that in some small way I may have helped you on that hard journey of your life. I am and always will be proud of you. Semper Fi and always Gung Ho.
With all my love,
Mom
cheryl diaz
May 26, 2014
Thank you Lance to You and all the other brave that have sacrificed for us. This day is for remembering all of you, so have a Great Day up there watching us down here. And your mom has me believing when i see a penny laying on ground that is is from up above and I always stop to pick it up and think of you.
Love you and your family.
Pat Shoukry
May 25, 2014
Hi Lance,
There is nothing more important that I want to do this Memorial Day weekend than to remember you and thank you for the ultimate sacrifice you have made for my freedoms. I can never thank you enough for your valiant service to the Land that I Love.
Keep sending those pennies from Heaven to your Mom as your signal, until you meet again.
Much love, respect and gratitude,
Pat
Pat Shoukry
March 27, 2014
Happy Birthday Lance!
Although we had not met in this world, I think of you often. You see, I associate you and your sacrifice with my freedoms. I am ever cognizant of them and appreciate your courage and willingness to protect them for me.
Thirty-one years ago the world stopped for a few minutes and you got on. So many people are so glad and so grateful that you did. Because of a life much too short, but so well lived; you will always be remembered with love.
Sincerely,
Pat
Birthday with brothers and cousins
Melanie Thompson Smith
March 26, 2014
Happy Birthday
Melanie Thompson Smith
March 26, 2014
breakfast
Melanie Thompson Smith
March 26, 2014
March 26, 2014
Thirty-one years ago today, God gave me the third wonderful gift of my life. A precious blue eyed, ornery smiled charmer we named Lance McGregor. We enjoyed his charm, sparkling blue eyes, and that ornery smile for 21 years and 8 months not know that God would need him to guard the streets of Heaven far sooner than we were willing to face. Not knowing how much he would be missed and the ache of that missing, over time, changing but never easing. Like a wave that swells up and washes over you at times when you least expect it. Yet, always thankful and grateful for all the small things and memories that Lance brought to our lives.
Lance, I often wonder who you'd be today; but, always knowing that I would be proud of you. It brings comfort to know how much you meant to those people you touched during your years here. It brings comfort to see your brothers, cousins, and friends honor and remember you by celebrating their own lives with jobs and beautiful families. You will always be here with us…when the breeze rings the bell…when the day brings a memory…when the baby looks like it's having a private conversation with their invisible “friend” …in so many ways.
Lance, I hope you will always walk among us, smile on us, and touch us in those special ways that each of us will know the second it happens and be comforted. Happy Birthday, my youngest son. We are blessed that you have been a part of our lives.
Semper Fi and always Gung Ho
With all my love,
MOM
Eric Meyers
January 30, 2014
I worked with Lance's dad Greg at the time of his sacrifice and had the opportunity to meet and speak with him perhaps 2 or 3 months before his death.
I for one was impressed with his attitude and his presence during our conversation.
I am 10 years older but he was certainly a mature and forward thinking young man.
My time with him was brief but impactful and I am proud to have met such a man.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and I think of them often.
Perhaps the most sobering time in my life was waiting in line to pay my respects to fallen hero.
Gods speed Lance Thompson
November 15, 2013
Dear Lance,
Love never forgets. Those who love you; your family, friends and millions of grateful Americans pause today to remember the ultimate sacrifice you made for all of us.
Keep sending those pennies from Heaven. Love to your family.
All the best, to the best.
Pat
Melanie Thompson Smith
November 15, 2013
My Dearest Son, Lance;
This is already a hard day. I have started receiving phone calls from your Marine brothers and I know your family is also uneasy for missing you. My heart breaks for the ache of so many hearts missing your smile, laughter, and loving friendship. I wish I could bare the total pain for all who are missing you. I guess that is the mother wanting to protect her loved ones. So many of the lives you touched miss you dearly and I know that it makes you sad that we are left with this to bear. I pray that we live as an example to show others the love you and other Fallen Heroes have for our freedoms. I pray we never forget to live because you and so many before and sense have given all just so we could live and enjoy. What a huge responsibility has been left for those of us left to be your spirit of life and freedom! I hope we will always make you proud and live by your example…love of family, friends, and country!
Semper Fi and always Gung Ho
With All my Love
Mom
Mike & Robin Wells
May 31, 2013
God bless you and your family. Thank you for the sacrifices your family has had to endure. Our neighbor found a picture of your son on a deflated baloon in his field. I wanted you to know we found it. Your son looked like a fine young man. I'm sure you are very proud of him. God bless you all.
May 27, 2013
Dear Lance,
Thanks for being a great friend. Your smile will be missed for years to come, and you will be forever remember as the man that brought light into any dark situation. I hope you have found your eternal light.
Cpl Jeromy Nelson
Pat Shoukry
May 27, 2013
Dear Lance,
I live in Freedom and without fear because of you and other great Americans like yourself.
So many things about you live on in my heart and in the hearts of so many of your countrymen. Your courage, your patriotism, your unselfish love.
When you took the oath, you knew the cost might be great, yet you did it anyway because of all the qualities we love about you and for all the reasons we will never forget you.
With love and gratitude,
Pat
Candy Abram
March 26, 2013
May you find peace
Shirley Reese
March 26, 2013
Hope that God has planned it so that we might one day meet again. your loving Grandmother
Jennifer Moore
March 26, 2013
Happy Birthday Lance. Thank you (& your family) for your service and sacrifice.
Happy 30th Birthday Lance!
Melanie Smith
March 26, 2013
My Dearest Son,
Lance, today I celebrate the day of your birth…30 years ago. As a mother you know that just as children grow up and change so does a mother's love. A mother nurtures, protects, giving room to grow and make mistakes and always praying your guardian angel is there to watch you when you are on your own and then changes as you become an adult… and the love you thought was the strongest thing you possess grows stronger.
I am still amazed when I hear a story about you that I didn't know and that always brings a smile. So many times throughout the day little things will happen and I am reminded of you. A song, a penny (coin) on the ground, one of your buddies sending me a message, or 1 of a hundred million things that I had forgotten until it happens and there you are, in my mind's eye, with your knowing smile and that light in your eyes. It still takes my breath when I think of you, not here, but guarding the streets of heaven. I know that you are with us no matter where we go and that when we stumble you are there with your wings to keep us from falling. You were such a huge part of our lives. You will live in our hearts forever and with your scholarship your love, memory, and story will perpetuate long after we are with you. With each year that passes, I realize the man that you were and I am thankful that you chose me to be your mother. I have been very blessed.
With all my love,
Mom
Debra Estep
March 25, 2013
Happy Birthday in Heaven
(posting a day early)
Ruthie Etherton
January 14, 2013
Melanie thank you for having my son Kenny Etherton in your home last week end he wanted to visit you all and have time to tell Lance good bye. He had visited other familys but had not been able to visit you all till now. He retires from Marines March 1 2013 after 30 years in the Marines this is one thing he wanted to do before he retired. If you all are able to go to his retirement i will see you there as i am flying to calf from Missouri to be with him. My prayers are with you and your family
Pat Shoukry
November 17, 2012
Dear Lance,
In this great country, we take so many things for granted, but one thing I will always treasure is my Freedoms. I will always be mindful of the courageous young Americans who have paid the price for those Freedoms. I will always honor your sacrifice and pray for your dear family while you are apart from one another.
Pennies from Heaven!
With love,
Pat
Norma Zearbaugh
November 15, 2012
God bless you Lance & all your Family.
Aunt Miss
November 15, 2012
Today and everyday you are in my thoughts . It is a bittersweet day thinking of you , I smile and have the sting of tears that follow.
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