Following is the obituary of Lance Appleton, Apostolic singer and songwriter. He is most famous for writing the song, “I’m a One God Apostolic”.
Lance Appleton, 1952-2015
Lance C. Appleton, 62, of Columbia passed away Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015, at home with family by his side.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the United Pentecostal Church, 211 Benton St. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at the United Pentecostal Church.
Lance was born Sept. 22, 1952, in Charleston, S.C., to Milton Ronald and Irma N. Smith Appleton. On Dec. 16, 1972, he married Merna Hochstrasser in St. Louis, while attending Gateway College of Evangelism. After graduating they moved to Columbia to work with the campus ministry. This led to a 30-year, full-time international evangelistic ministry. He was a prolific songwriter and accomplished musician on the piano, flute, guitar and harmonica. Lance recorded eight albums and was best known for writing the song, “I’m a One God Apostolic…â€
He is survived by his wife, Merna of the home; his mother, Irma of Eagle Lake, Fla.; his two children, Crista Garza and husband Mark of McKinney, Texas, and Eric Appleton and wife Lydia of Columbia; one brother, Emre Appleton of Oakland Gardens, N.Y.; two sisters, Melody Wenger and husband Howard, and Lisa Appleton, all of Pilot, Va.; and six grandchildren, Grace Garza, Jeshua Garza, Glory Joy Garza, Ian Appleton, Elia Appleton and Avah Appleton.
He was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Aaron Appleton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the United Pentecostal Church, 211 Benton St., Columbia, Mo., 65203, or Hospice Advantage, 2620 Forum Blvd, Suite E, Columbia, Mo., 65203.
February 22, 2015
I write this note with a heavy heart. I remember the first time I met Bro Lance Appleton at a church service here in Pa. I was only about 11 or 12 years old at the time. He was the main speaker for that service. I remember appreciating his love and zeal for the gospel message. This was around the years ’77 or ’78. When he sung the song ‘One God Apostolic’, I was hooked!! My dad, brothers and I bought several of his materials and spent time talking with him that evening. We made a connection and was sure to be at the several other services he ministered at in Pa during the next couple of years. His song had such a profound affect on us that we quickly learned the song and called his home to get his permission to sing it. He gladly gave us his blessing to sing that song . I can’t tell you how many times my brother and I have been asked to sing that song. I have actually sang it on our local radio station. Bro Lance Appleton has been an icon for me when it came to someone with zeal and passion to tell the gospel of Jesus. I’m very aware that life throws curve balls, but when we have a strong love of God in our lives, the love we have for God will come forth and bring glory to God. Although we had not been in contact over some 30 years, I have never forgotten him. I only wish I could have said thank you and even good bye for now, but I know I will see him again. Perhaps, we will get to sing ‘One God Apostolic’ together in Heaven. Goodbye, my friend and brother in Christ. You will never be forgotten.
Sam Johnson, Jr
Lancaster, Pa.
February 23, 2015
We met Lance Appleton at Harvest Tabernacle church in Lebanon,Missouri.We loved his singing and passion for God.We thought his whole family awesome.This is Heavens gain But he will be missed by so many.
February 23, 2015
Was shocked to see this but so happy to know that Lance is singing and dancing on streets of gold!
Crista you stayed at my house when you came to Poway Ca and my daughter Sondra never forgot you. All our love, The Henkel Family from Poway, Ca.
September 8, 2016
I met brother lance Appleton at the first United Pentecostal church in orange Texas
It was a privilege to meet such a wonderful person. He was so friendly that it amazed me, I helped him with putting the instruments in his car after the service. His song one God apostolic is still popular today and it made number one in the golden triangle here in southeast Texas in about 1980. I never knew it had made number one nation wide until I told him it was a number one hit here and he said it made number one when it first came out in 1978. What a great singer he was and a wonderful person as well, I will never forget him and i still love his music. A friend of mine was at the church service the night brother lance received the Holy Ghost.
Brother lance you are loved by more people than you would ever know.
I know you are shouting around the throne of God now and singing of amazing grace. We love you brother and now that the race is over for you you can rest at Jesus feet
I love you brother lance Appleton, tho tears are still shed by your passing you will live for ever in song in our heart
April 10, 2019
Wow my condolences even a bit late. I just remembered really enjoying his music when I was a little child.
July 16, 2019
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE GOOD MEMORIES OF YOUR MUSIC. I WAS STATIONED IN HONTHEIM, GERMANY WHEN OUR PASTOR INTRODUCED US TO YOUR MUSIC. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING THERE WHEN SO MANY OF US NEEDED YOUR MINISTRY. AS SISTER PATTON USE TO SAY “HERE THERE OR IN THE AIR.”
October 25, 2019
I was 16 years when I attended a service at a youth camp in San Diego. I remember as he started to play and sing, I felt the spirit of God move over me. I felt spiritual chaines rip away and began to dance in the spirit. It was the first time in my life I felt spiritual freedom. God anointed his music. I am so thankful for his ministry.
May 5, 2021
Lance was one of my best friends as a child and I used to have sleep overs. I had not seen him for years and just decided to google him and found this. I am so sorry to hear about his passing. My condolences to the family.
June 8, 2024
Lance Appleton made a huge impact on my life is a spiritual way. I’m thankful he came to our church when I was a teenager. I gave my life to the Lord and I’m still serving the Lord today. It was on my heart today to look up his songs. I did not know he had passed away. I’m thankful he knew the Lord snd heaven is his home. His impact was great on so many. I’m 57 and still sing his songs.
October 14, 2024
Thank you , bro . Appleton…