Architect of famous San Antonio landmarks dies at 81
William Michael “Mike” Lance was a furniture designer and an architect. We learned that he died on January 20, 2019 from a rare renal infarction.
Born in Oklahoma City in 1937, Mike made his way to Texas graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in architecture. Mike started his career with O’Neil Ford and Associates where he was the architect for the Trinity Tower, the Margarite B. Parker Chapel and the Laurie Auditorium at Trinity University.
One of the most iconic projects Mike took on was designing the base of the Tower of the Americas.
Mike was also lead architect for the renovation and the expansion of the San Antonio Express-News building downtown San Antonio as well as the expansion of the Southwest School of Art.
Mike had spent his retirement bar-b-quing with a unique pit that he designed.
Memorial service for Mike will be at the Margarite B. Parker Chapel at Trinity University at 2pm on Sunday, February 3rd following a reception at University Presbyterian Church at 300 Bushnell. Memorial donations can be made to Interfaith Welcome Coalition or a charity that has meaning to Mike.
Mike is survived by Mary who is a retired journalist and a ceramicist along with Mike’s daughters Kathryn Freeman (Lance) and Sara Calhoun along with five grandchildren Hilary Brack (Travis), Addison, Grace, Charlie and Henry.
