Dr. John Wesley Lane

John W. “Sammy” Lane, 86, passed away peacefully at his home Sunday morning, August 19th, 2007 surrounded by his beloved family. A memorial service will be held Friday, August 24th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church with Rev. Jeff Fisher officiating. He will be buried at Oakwood Cemetery. Sammy, as his friends called him, was born November 28th, 1920, to John Wesley Jr. and Ferne Mae Lane in Houston. As a young boy, he had a horse named “Tex” and appeared as an extra in a few silent movies with the Little Rascals. He graduated from John Reagan High School in 1938 and from Baylor University in 1943. An avid Baylor sports fan, during these years he was assistant trainer for the bear mascot, “Big Joe”. During dental school at the University of Texas Dental School, he was elected President of his Dental Fraternity, XI PSI PHI. Before graduation in 1946, he married the love of his life, Margaret Lou Blanton on March 25th, 1944. Upon being inducted into the US Navy, the couple traveled to California, where he served as head of the dental departments at the Naval Air Station, Ream Field, San Ysidro, California and the Naval Air Station, El Centro, California during World War II. Dr. Lane was discharged from the Navy in 1948 and came back to Waco and started a dental practice in General Dentistry, later specializing in Endodontics in 1965. He enjoyed a long and rewarding career in dentistry, very dedicated to his practice and to his patients. He had a reputation for excellent work, fairness, honesty, and a desire to do what is right – frequently donating his services to those who could not pay. He served the Central Texas Dental Society in many capacities and was elected Dentist of the Year in 1986. He retired from dentistry in 1992. He was active in his Church, the Kiwanis Club, and served as a volunteer for the American Heart Association and delivered Meals on Wheels for 15 years. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman, and a loyal follower of Baylor football and more recently, the Lady Bears. Sammy was a loving and devoted husband to Margaret Lou, his wife of 63 years. To his daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, he was an inspiration and true role model. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, and daughters, Peggy Lane and Lee Haveman and husband, Dennis, 2 grandchildren, Wes Lane and wife, Penny; and Lane London and husband Michael Thornton; five great grandchildren, Nic, Zac, and Tim Cornwell, Tyson Lane, and Isabella London. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Jimmy Boggess and wife, Rusty; his niece Meg Twombly and nephew, Holly Boggess and wife, Libby. The family would like express their sincere appreciation to his wonderful caregivers, Michelle Lloyd and the staff of Bluebonnet Home Care and Hospice for all the love and attention they have provided. Memorials may be made to St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, the Bluebonnet Hospice, the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey