Lance Penrod

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Lance Hale Penrod. Lance passed away in his home on October 7, 2025, at the ripe young age of 82.

Lance was born on November 27, 1942 in Mesa , Az to Clarence H. And Gwen (Webb) Penrod and was raised in Lakeside, Az

Lance attended Lakeside High School, where he was known to be an excellent athlete in all sports, and was part of the 1959 Football State Championship team. He attended Mesa Community College where he continued to play football and he went on to be an All American athlete.

On January 18, 1962, Lance married the love of his life Phyllis Farr. Shortly after, he enlisted in the US Air Force. His years in the Air Force took he and Phyllis to New Mexico and Colorado, where they started their family and welcomed a daughter and two sons. After his honorable discharge from service, they made their home in Mesa, Az where the welcomed another daughter. They lived in Mesa for several years until relocating to Lakeside in 1972. This became their forever home and they completed their family by welcoming one more daughter.

Lance was a jack of all trades working for Brown and Root, the Round House in Pinetop as a bookkeeper, he drove a logging truck, he was a meter reader for Arizona Water Company, and he later worked at Pinetop Lakes Country club as a greenskeeper. While working at PLCC, he also started his career in the mid 80's as a custodian and bus driver for the Blue Ridge School District and worked there for 33 years until his retirement. "Mr. Lance," as he was affectionately known, loved all of his bus kids and they loved him!

Lance loved watching his kids play sports and cheerlead! You could always hear him loudest in the stands, cheering for his kids, especially when he disagreed with a call made by a referee or an umpire! Everyone knew who Mr. Penrod was! When BRHS started girls fast pitch softball, he helped many Lady Yellow Jackets learn how to pitch, as he was an excellent pitcher. After his kids graduated, Lance continued to support BR athletics and continued to attend as many games as he could.

Lance was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in several capacities throughout his lifetime.

Lance will be missed and forever remembered as a devoted and loving Husband, Father, Grandfather Great-Grandfather, Great-Great-Grandfather, Son, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Friend.

Lance is survived by his wife of 63 years, Phyllis (Farr) Penrod; Children, Kristie Neese, Derek Penrod, Lance Penrod, Shellee Letcher, Lori (Anthony) Brown; 11 Grandchildren: Jennifer Osborne, Christopher (Tessa) Neese, Brock (Shelby) Penrod, Tavyn (Alexandra) Penrod, Christine, Jaycie and Alyssa Penrod, Brett (Lauren) Letcher and Brianna, Bianca and Michael Brown; 12 Great-Grandchildren and 7 Great-Great-Grandchildren; His brothers and sisters in law, and many, many, nieces and nephews and cousins.

Lance was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Gwen Penrod; parents in law, Philip and Frankie Farr; daughter-in-law, Kellyn Penrod; grandson, Kevin James Penrod;brother, Clarence Eugene Penrod; and sisters, Charlayne Whipple and Beverly Richards.

We find comfort knowing he is with his loved ones who have passed on before Him.

Fly High with the Angels!

Funeral Services will be held, Friday, October 17, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Lakeside Stake Center, 1520 Church Lane, Lakeside, Arizona, with a viewing one hour prior.