Stillwater, OK - Obituary for Dr. Lance Burris Allred

Dr. Lance Burris Allred, a distinguished scholar, family member and friend to many, passed away on April 15, 2025. Born on November 21, 1972, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Lance is the beloved son of the Larry and Gladeen Allred.

He spent his formative years in Stillwater, where he graduated from Stillwater High School in 1991, showcasing his athletic talent in track and his brilliant mind in academics. His learning ripened into wisdom as Lance pursued higher education with passion and excellence. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and a Ph.D. in Ancient History from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

Lance was deeply passionate about ancient languages, dedicating his career to researching and publishing numerous articles in this field. He was a respected educator, having taught on the esteemed faculties of Cornell University, UCLA, and Johns Hopkins University. His students were inspired to acquire knowledge, not only for its power - but for its highest purpose, the development of character. "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom and gaineth understanding" Proverbs 3:13. On June 7, 2004, Lance married Dr. Alhena Gadotti, a fellow student in the same field, she was also at Johns Hopkins.

In addition to his teaching endeavors, Lance made significant contributions as the curator of the Museum of The Bible in Washington D.C., where he shared his expertise and love for ancient artifacts. In more recent years, he continued to impart his knowledge as an adjunct professor at Tulsa Community College, inspiring students with his enthusiasm for history and insatiable thirst for knowledge.

More importantly, Lance will be mostly remembered for his genuine kindness, genteel and congenial disposition. His courtesy and tact were not simply matters of social form but were the outgrowth of a spirit of kindness and goodwill, which will leave a priceless legacy far richer than his archeological finds.

Lance is predeceased by his father, Larry Allred, and his nephew, Riley Allred. He is survived by his mother, Dr. Gladeen Allred, of Stillwater, Oklahoma and his brother, Brett Allred of Alabama. Further survivors include maternal aunt and uncle Edys and Al Cacy; cousins Kevin and Rebecca Cacy and Darren and Brenda Cacy all of Overland Park, KS and Colleen Cacy of Tuscon, AZ. Paternal uncle, Monte Allred, of Heath, Texas and cousins Mike and Sheri Allred of Plano, TX, and a host of other cousins, who will cherish his memory.

Always the procrastinator, a memorial service to celebrate Lance's life and achievements will be announced at a later date...