Roll Call Tribute

Robert Wilson "Bob" Lane, Jr. 

January 19, 1944 - September 3, 2024 

Robert Wilson Lane, Jr., known to everyone as Bob, passed away peacefully September 3, 2024, at the age of 80. His life was one filled with love, service, creativity, and fun that impacted all who knew him. Bob was born January 19, 1944 to Sylvia and Col. Robert Lane, Sr. Bob's life journey took him from army brat life in in Verdun, France to Texas A&M University, to military service, through countless friendships, and into the hearts of family and friends.

Bob proudly graduated from Texas A&M University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, during which time he also welcomed his son, Robert Wilson Lane, III, into the world. That same year, he began his distinguished military career, serving in the United States Army and rising to the rank of Captain. His service took him to Vietnam and two tours in Germany, where his daughter, Sheila "Shelly" Lane Harris, was born in Stuttgart.

In 1965, Bob married the love of his life, Sheila Lane Forsyth, mother to both Bob III and Shelly. Though they later parted ways, they remained lifelong friends. Bob remarried in the early 1980s to Mary Jo Brown, with whom he also maintained a good friendship.

Bob spent much of his working career as a loss-prevention engineer at Factory Mutual Insurance. But his true passions lay in the arts, music, and photography. A lifelong hobby photographer, Bob's massive collection of over 100,000 photographs was a testament to his ability to capture moments of joy and meaning.

In his 40s, Bob co-authored a novel with a group of writer friends, showcasing his diverse talents and love for creativity. His passion for music spanned decades, particularly for the sounds of the 50s and 60s. Bob was a near-encyclopedic expert on music from those eras, effortlessly identifying both song and artist.

Bob's creativity was also expressed through painting. Using primarily oils, he created over 100 geometric-style pieces, including a massive 8x10-foot canvas that became a focal point in his home. After retiring in his mid-fifties, Bob embraced new hobbies, learning computer photo and video editing and even mastering Rollerblading, where he became a familiar face at the local skate park as both a videographer and maintenance volunteer. In his 60s and into his 70s, Bob became a bit of a pool shark, playing in local leagues and tournaments, Bob's competitive spirit never dimmed, often anchoring his team to victory.

A year before his passing, Bob moved to an assisted living facility in Arvada, Colorado, to be closer to his daughter, Shelly, and his sister, Sherry. His final year was spent surrounded by the love of family, reflecting a life filled with cherished moments, friendships, and a deep appreciation for the world around him.

Bob's brother, Michael Lane, passed away in 2016. Bob is survived by his son, Robert Wilson Lane, III (Bob), his daughter, Sheila Lane Harris (Shelly), and his sister, Sherry Greene. He will also be fondly remembered by lifelong friends, including former wives Sheila and Mary Jo, as well as the many people whose lives he touched with his humor, creativity, and warm spirit. Bob will be deeply missed, but the memories he created and the joy he spread will live on in all who knew him.