Lance Thaddeus Carroll II

Lance Thaddeus Carroll II, 41, passed away on April 7, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on July 23, 1983. He is survived by his wife of nearly 20 years, Lacy; his children, Violet and Lance Thaddeus III; his parents, Lance Sr. and Deborah Carroll; his sister, Ashley Miranda (Edmund); nephew and niece, EJ and Aiyanna; many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins; and in-laws who adored him.

Lance grew up in a military family but ultimately studied at the University of Florida, where he developed a love for the Florida Gators and a girl in the same undergraduate program–Family, Youth, and Community Sciences. Upon graduation in 2005, they would marry and he would spend the next 20 years finding ways for them, and eventually their children, to engage with whichever community they found themselves in. Whether they were helping to resettle refugees in Kentucky and Minnesota or delivering meals to critically ill members of their city, being sedentary was not an option. There were always people to meet, stories to hear, and ways to help. These are values he passed down to his children.

It was teaching English to refugees that directed Lance toward obtaining his degree in education and Master's in Educational Leadership. The most significant part of his career was dedicated to public education and it became not only a job, but an entire way of life. He lived in the community where he worked and had the opportunity to see his own children educated in his school, Sand Creek High School. He knew this was the best place for them because he loved the people he worked with. He considered them family. He was excited about sponsoring clubs like Students Working Against Tobacco and the Culture and Climate Board because they brought out the best qualities in his students. He believed in hospitality, mutual respect, acceptance, and second chances, making him an exceptional Assistant Principal.

In addition, Lance loved board games. He always expected to win at Catan and Wingspan but accepted that he had met his match in Scrabble. He never paid for parking. The Carrolls were trained to arrive early and walk no matter the weather. He had trouble remembering common phrases but used them confidently. He loved watching and playing sports, hiking, and tackling the Manitou Springs Incline regularly. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and kids to Kentucky, New York, and throughout Colorado. Life will be less efficient and certainly less fun without him. He will be missed always by his family, friends, and everyone he touched.

Before his passing, Lance created the "Show Your Stripes" scholarship to celebrate a Sand Creek High School senior and to bring awareness to neuroendocrine cancer. He would love for you to honor his public education legacy by donating here:

https://buy.stripe.com/14kcQjdhk3UVaGc145

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 4th at 2:00 p.m. at Sand Creek High School, 7005 N. Carefree Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80922.