Thomas “Tom” Martin Lane
Jan. 20, 1939 – Dec. 22, 2020
OSAGE CITY — Thomas “Tom” Martin Lane died Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, at Osage Nursing Center, Osage City. He was 81.
Tom was born Jan. 20, 1939, on his family farm near Osage City, the son of William and Alice (Martin) Lane, and stepfather, John Black.
He graduated from Osage City High School in 1956. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army, with a tour in Germany from 1959 to 1961 and returned for stateside duty until 1965. Upon returning home from his overseas tour, Tom took over the family farm operation in Osage City.
Tom married Linda Jane Smith, of Burlingame, Nov. 25, 1962. From this union three children were born, Audrey, John and Martin. Tom and Jane divorced in 1984.
Tom was active in several agricultural organizations, and he also actively participated in the Farm Aid Strike in the late 1970s, that led farmers across the United States, to include fellow Osage County farmers, to Washington, D.C.
In addition to his passion for farming, Tom used his musical talents as a bass guitar player in the band, Vikings, which eventually led to the backing of Kenny Starr, from Burlingame. In 1982, Tom switched careers and began what would become more than 35 years of serving northeast Kansas as a realtor, appraiser and broker. Widely known as the “Country Gentleman,” Tom, along with Sharon Markley and their team, worked tirelessly to serve the real estate needs of Kansans across the state, earning the team numerous awards and accolades. Lane Real Estate was eventually formed and operated for many years, in Lyndon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Alice Lane; a brother, Bob Lane; and two sisters, Coleen Keeffe and Maxine Criqui.
Tom is survived by his three children, Audrey (Mike) Bartee, Osage City, John (Brandy) Lane, Wichita, and Martin (Suzanne) Lane, Topeka; his significant other, Sharon Markley, Topeka; Sharon’s three children; a brother, Gary (Judy) Lane, Burlington; a sister, Darlene Haskins, Osage City; seven grandchildren, Ryan, Lauren, Kenzli, Karson, Kolton, Harper and Paxton; seven honorary grandchildren; and five honorary great-grandchildren.
Tom was cremated. Due to COVID-19 precautionary measures, a memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Condolences may be expressed at feltnerfuneralhome.com.
