Shepherd Lance Whistance

Shepherd Lance Whistance was born on October 5, 2018, in Springfield, Missouri . He passed away peacefully on April 11, 2023, in the arms of his parents at Mercy Pediatrics ICU.  Shepherd leaves behind two siblings, Boulder and Augusta, along with parents Nick and Emily Whistance, and grandparents, Chris & Vicki Singleton and James & Vickie Whistance.

Shepherd was created uniquely and wonderfully by our Creator.  Shepherd greatly affected those in his life.  He loved to give his “half grins” to those around him. He loved playing with his sister’s hair and the many books Augusta read him. He loved to lie on the floor with Boulder as Boulder generously gave him many kisses and hugs. Shepherd will always be remembered as our forever baby. He taught us to be present in the day-to-day routines because life is incredibly delicate and swift. He taught us that crisis, valleys, and suffrage is to be expected in the life of following Christ.  He taught us that clinging to our Savior is the only secure handle that we may grasp, because all else fades away.

The Lord used Shepherd to dramatically change our lives, and each day our goal was to care for and love Shepherd so very deeply.  rocking Shepherd, reading to him, playing with him, and simply gazing at his beauty will leave a deafening silence and emptiness in our life. Yet, as we deeply grieve we can joyfully trust in his newly created body at the exact same time. Shepherd’s body is now fully restored, and we know that he is running, playing, and talking with the Father right now. We can only rejoice and be thankful for the sweet, precious time that Shepherd gave to us and we will forever honor his life. 

Cremation rites have been accorded and a A Memorial Visitation will be held for Shepherd on Saturday, April 15, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Springhill Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri. A Memorial Service will be held immediately following visitation.

 Isaiah 43:1-2

But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.

1 Peter 4:19 

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

We want to take a moment to extend a thank you to each person that loved, invested, and cared for Shepherd.  There were many pockets of people that were involved with Shepherd’s life.  We have had the honor of watching grandparents, cousins, siblings, and church family deeply love this little boy.  Thank you for all of the meals brought to our house, the groceries purchased, and more than anything the multitude of prayers that were professed on our behalf.  Especially in these past final days of Shepherd’s life, thank you to all who walked with us in the hardest moments of our life.  Thank you to each nurse and physician that helped us process and walk through Shepherd’s care.  Thank you for so delicately handling his little body.  Thank you for allowing Nick and I to have protected, quiet, intimate time with our sweet boy as he passed away.  There are truly not enough or sufficient words to explain our depth of gratitude to each of you.  We are overwhelmed by your love and generosity.  We are forever changed by Shepherd and we know that many more would also say the same.  Thank you for honoring Shepherd’s life with us today.  We love each of you deeply.

Arrangements are under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa,  and cremation rites were accorded by Adams Funeral Home, Ozark.