John Franklin Lacy III

In 1979, John and Sherry Lacy learned they were expecting their third child while living in Big Piney, Wyoming. Determined that their baby would be born a Texan, they moved back to the Lone Star State just in time to welcome their only son, John “Johnny” Franklin Lacy III, on October 11, 1979, in Odessa, Texas.

Raised in a Christian home and grounded in faith from an early age, John accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized in Amarillo in 1985. His faith remained an important part of his life, and he passed that same love for the Lord on to his children.

After several moves throughout Texas and Oklahoma, the Lacy family settled in Brenham, Texas, in 1992. John graduated from Brenham High School in 1998 and continued his education at Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Parks and Recreation Management in 2004.

Making and keeping friends came naturally to John. The lifelong friendships he made in Brenham, Texas A&M, and Keystone were cherished and never taken for granted. John was often the life of the party and had a laugh that won’t be forgotten. He was always up for an adventure or road trip and would rarely turn down an opportunity to go to a concert or dress in costume.

Even though John was a Texan through and through, the mountains always seemed to call him home. In 2004, he packed up his Blazer and moved to Colorado to chase his love of skiing and mountain life while completing a college internship. He quickly fell in love with the Rockies and made Colorado his permanent home after graduation. Whether on the slopes, exploring the outdoors, or simply taking in the mountain views, John felt most at peace in the mountains he loved so deeply.

It was in Keystone that he met Lauren, who shared his love of family, adventure, and the outdoors. They married in 2008 and began their greatest adventure together with the birth of their daughter Charlotte in 2014, followed by their son Miles in 2017. Of all the roles John held in life, his favorite was being “Dad.” He treasured time with his children, whether traveling, exploring the outdoors, visiting Bebe and Papa in Texas, or spending time at the Love family cabin in Pine, Colorado.

John will be remembered for his thoughtful gestures, his big personality, his loyal heart, and the way he made people feel welcomed and loved. He brought laughter, energy, and warmth wherever he went, and his absence leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who loved him.

John is survived by his wife, Lauren Connely Lacy; his children, Charlotte (11) and Miles (9); his parents, John and Sherry Lacy; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Nicole and Darren Friedel, and Natalie and Harper Lange; his mother-in-law, Millanee Connely; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Emily and Aaron Rettich, Brian and Amanda Connely; his nieces and nephews, Ean Rettich, Noel Connely, Katie Friedel, Warner Rettich, Hayden Connely, Dean Friedel, Mason Connely, Tice Lange, and Slade Lange; along with many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law Mike Connely, maternal grandparents Conrad and Polly Millican, paternal grandparents Dalton and Joy Lacy.

Honorary pallbearers: John Anderson, Brad Beal, Blake Bostic, Kyle Kokemoor, Matthew Millican, Colby Lacy, Leland Lacy, Jon Pasley, Josh Scheel, Sam Seidel, Patrick Troy Jr., Roger Winckler, Bert Wyatt.

Burial service for family and close friends will be held at Mount Lindo Cemetery in Colorado on May 16, 2026.

A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held on June 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at the downtown First Baptist Church campus, 304 N. Market Street, Brenham, Texas. A luncheon and fellowship will follow the service in the church gym. Additional details will be shared with family and friends.