Thomas G. Lane

Thomas G. Lane, 92, of Lakeside, OH passed away Friday, August 18, 2023 at Otterbein Senior Life. He was born January 16, 1931 in Marblehead, OH the son of John Russell and Norma (Graves) Lane who preceded him in death. He married Barbara Ingram on Dec. 29, 1956 and she preceded him in death in 2009. Tom is survived by his children: John (Lori) Lane of Columbus, OH; Jennifer (Ted) Stepleton of Lima, OH; Rex (Eileen) Lane of Otsego, MI;

grandchildren: Jessica, Teddy, and Emily Stepleton; Lindsay (Wesley), and Ashley Lane. He was preceded in death by his brothers: William Lane and his wife Phyllis; Dan Lane and his wife Pam; an infant brother, Jackie; sister-in-law Ruth Mary Ingram Porter and her husband Hobart.

Tom was a 1949 graduate of Danbury High School where he excelled in academics and athletics. He was a member of the Stonecrushers football team, and he placed third and fifth consecutively in pole vault at the Ohio State Track Meet. He attended The Ohio State University for two years and then enlisted in the Navy. He entered Navy officer training during the Korean War. When the war ended, Tom returned to Ohio State, graduating with a Geology degree. He started his career as a field geologist in the oil fields of Lafayette, Louisiana. When Tom and Barby returned to Ohio, Tom worked as an Insurance Agent with the Lane Insurance Agency. He was a 60-year member of the Board of Directors at the Marblehead Bank and member of the Marblehead American Legion Post #555. Tom was an avid golfer who organized weekly outings for Lakeside area golfers - though he preferred playing to organizing! He was a volunteer leader with Boy Scout Troop #331. And Tom’s love of Geology made him a good judge for the Danbury Science Fair.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather who had a strong work ethic and resourceful and responsible nature. His grandchildren will miss his stories about growing up in the community, working in family businesses like The Mary Ellen cafeteria in Lakeside or as a lifeguard at the dock. He often told stories about going to the docks to obtain perch and walleye for The Mary Ellen fish fries during WWII rationing. He also knew a lot about using the stars to navigate and all about fossils. He was always a great competitor for games of shuffle board and putt-putt golf, and he remained a devoted Buckeyes’ fan until the end.

The Lane family invites family and community friends to honor Tom on Saturday, Oct 21st at 2:30 pm for a Military Honors Service at the Lakeside Dock and a reception to follow from 3-7 pm at Cleats. In Tom’s behalf, donations may be made to the American Legion Post #555, the Danbury Athletic Boosters, Stein Hospice, and the Humane Society of Ottawa County.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com . Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Peninsula Chapel is handling the arrangements.