1931
2013
Gerald Ray "Gerry" Lane, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Baton Rouge on May 3, 2013 with his family at his side. He bravely fought cancer off and on for over 30 years. His sheer determination helped him keep going for many years.
Lane was born in Red Mound, OK, on February 15, 1931, to Burl David and Bonnie Martindale Lane. Mr. Lane was in the automotive business for more than 60 years and a mega dealer for more than 55 years. He was the president of the Super Chevy Dealer Group for 23 years.
He received hundreds of awards in his career, including the prestigious Time Magazine Dealer of the Year, a National Lifetime Achievement Award from GMAC, District Dealer of the year (won four times), Better Business Bureau's Douglas Manship Sr. Torch Award for professional ethics, The Golden Deeds Award, Business Report's Executive of the Year, Sales & Marketing Executives' Marketer of the year, The Pete Goldsby Award from the American Advertising Federation and the Durwood Gully Sales & Marketing Excellence Award. He was also honored with a bronze plaque in the Gerry Lane Championship Plaza at Alex Box Stadium.
Gerry Lane is survived by his wife of 55 years, Faye Rogan Lane; sons David and wife Cindy of Thousand Oaks, California, Eric and wife Lisa in Baton Rouge, and daughter Saundra of Bandera, Texas. He is also survived by one brother, Eldon Lane & wife Eulonda, of Douglassville, Texas, and grandchildren Tyler, Ashton, Will, Jordan, Jillian, Jacqueline, and Jackson Lane. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Lloyd and Bud, his sister Velma Henderson and son, Mark.
Visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd, Monday from 12 to 5pm. Followed by a private burial at the family mausoleum at Greenoaks Memorial Park & Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Dale Politz, Leo Honeycutt, Harvey Honore', Will Clark, Farrow Haynes & Wayne Garafola. Honorary pallbearers are Skip Bertman, Burl Cain, Joe Scoggin, Ed Joe, Sr., Thad Broussard, Gerald Rogan, Gary Mockler, Cedric Patton, Brent Honore', Dexter Honore', Dwayne Honore' and Jimmy Smith.
The family extends special thanks to Mr. Lane's wonderful caregivers, Farrow Haynes, Wayne Garafola, Rosa Sellers, Estela Ramos, Mary Mims & Victoria Dunbar.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested for the YMCA of Greater Baton Rouge youth sports programs.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
April 27, 2023
Work
Larry Buller
Great leader! No nonsense and called it like it was.
May 9, 2013
Susan Witherspoon
Ashanti and I am so sorry. We did not know about Mr. Gerry passing. We would have attended. Our prayers are with everyone. God Bless, Susan Witherspoon
May 8, 2013
Gov. & Mrs Mike Foster
Gerry was an awesome businessman and a great friend. We will miss him.
May 7, 2013
Carole O'Neil
Saundra, Mrs. Faye, Eric & Family:
Mr. Gerry left an enourmous footprint on this earth. What a man to be proud of. It was sad driving up to do the Anniversary event Saturday knowing such a big part of that world was gone. I will always remember "the Gerry Lane" head that I tried so hard to enhance and make pretty each rodeo season. Hope I did it justice! Just one more happy memory. When we bought our Trailblazer after Katrina he helped us! Hard to copy such a pattern of kindness, leadership, joy , and giver of much. Some things, some time just can't be duplicated.
Peace be with all of you,
Carole O'Neil
May 7, 2013
Russell Kelly
Deepest Sympathy and Heart felt Empathy to the Lane Family and all who are close to them.
May 7, 2013
Eric,
I was very sorry to hear of the death of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of great loss.
Your friend,
Roger Ishee (Lafayette, La.)
May 6, 2013
Lemmie Walker
Eric, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I thought the world of Mr. Gerry. I will miss him as will so many, many people. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lemmie Walker
May 6, 2013
Ronald Legendre
Dear Eric, Lisa, Tyler, Ashton, and Lane Family,
Our heartfelt condolences to you during this difficult time. Mr. Gerry will greatly be missed; his friendly smile, generosity, and love of the community. We will always remember his kindness to our family during our years at Parkview and many purchases at Gerry Lane.
In love and friendship,
Ronald, Danette, Ladd, Brant
May 6, 2013
Loretta Haydel
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Lane family. Gerry will be greatly miss by many people.
May 6, 2013
Mr.Lane was a great man and helped so many with his charity. Baton Rouge has lost a true blessing to this community. So sorry for the family's loss. He will be missed but will always be remembered by many.
mike babin
May 6, 2013
Allison Heath
Dear Faye:
Wylie and I were so saddened to hear about Gerry. We all go back a long time from when we were in Bay St. Louis, MS. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we pray that the Lord will give you strength and peace during this difficult time. Lean on Him and He will provide.
Blessings,
Allison and Wylie Heath
May 6, 2013
Ron, Brenda,Ryan DeWees
Eric and family,
We got your message about Gerry. You're in our thoughts and we pray for peace and comfort during your time of grief. This world has lost a fine gentleman,and heaven has gained one.
Ron,Brenda,and Ryan DeWees
May 6, 2013
Greg Robins
Eric,
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of your father.
Best Regards,
Greg
May 6, 2013
The Barbaras and Retifs
Eric and family,
Sorry for your loss with the passing of your dad. Gerry Lane was a wonderful man with a big smile and a warm handshake. He was very generous and a great leader in his community. I will never forget how proud he was of you and how much joy you brought him (especially when he watched you play baseball.) Our prayers are with you and your family.
Love, John & Danielle Barbara and Coach & Mrs. Phyllis Retif
May 6, 2013
Roland Escher
Eric, as you know, Mr. Gerry gave so much of himself, to so many. I will be forever thankful to have been among that group. From him we learned so much. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Lane family. Roland & Jennifer Escher
May 6, 2013
Eric & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
H.P, & Delma Burke
May 6, 2013
Steve & Judy Dietzel
Eric, what a blessing your dad and your entire family have been to all the Dietzels, to Baton Rouge and to Louisiana for so many years. We praise the Lord that Gerry will be forever with our Heavenly Father because he trusted Jesus - God bless you and your family.
May 6, 2013
Lynnette Soules
Our sincerest sympathies to all the Lanes. Peter & Lynnette Soules &Grandma Hubert
May 6, 2013
Charles & Kelli Dawson
Eric and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.
May 6, 2013
William Magallanes (Cadillac)
Eric & Lane Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Lane has always been an inspiration to many! He will be truly missed but never forgotten. Thoughts and prayers with you! His legacy lives on through his family...
May 6, 2013
Randy Maglone
So sorry to hear about Mr. Gerry, He was such a fine man.
May 6, 2013
Dawn Pittman
Every day that Mr. Gerry would come into the A.C. Lewis ymca the first thing he would say to me was "Hey Short Stuff" Then he would proceed to pick on me for the entirety of his visit. I loved that "old goat"! He will truly be missed by all who knew him.
May 6, 2013
Gary & Michele Dupuy
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
May 6, 2013
Anna & Jack Sanders
Eric...so sorry to hear of your Dad's passinng! Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time. I know he has left wonderful memories in your hearts..so cherish each one everyday for he will always be with you in your heart!
May 6, 2013
Howard Chaney
Eric, we are all very sad in the loss of Mr Gerry. He was an inspiration to me personally and to many others. We are praying for you and your family during this time.
May 6, 2013
Gregory Wilson
When hearing of Mr. Lanes passing I could not stop thinking of the many conversations we would have in the mornings at the dealership . He was always the first one there . He reminding me on a daily basis that if I wanted to be successful I would have to remember theses things. Be early,make a plan and write it down, do 3% percent More and my favorite : the inspiration of desperation and the whiplash of necessity . I thank God for allowing me to gain form this mans wisdom and experiences . i will never forget you Boss. Rest in peace , even though I know you won't be resting with a new pair of wings.
May 5, 2013
Lynn Andre
Oh, Faye and family, I am so sorry. Regards, Lynn Andre ( Benny's widow)
May 5, 2013
The world has lost a wonderful man. All our love and prayers.
Neal and Glenda Jones
May 5, 2013
Prem Menon
What an amazing man Mr. Gerry was.We will miss our dear friend and neighbor. He was one of a kind,a great soul,pioneer and philanthropist.Ms.Fay,Eric and Saundra,you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Drs. Prem and Vimla Menon and Ajay.
May 5, 2013
Mr. & Mrs. Jessie Ward, Jr.
With Deepest Sympathy.
May 5, 2013
Chari Hood
As an employee I thought Highly of Mr Lane. My thoughts and prayers are with you Eric,Sandra and the Lane family.
May 5, 2013
Peggy LeBlanc-Lewis
Sending thoughts and prayers to Ms. Fay, Saundra, Eric and Family at this time.
May 4, 2013
Dennis Haydel
One of the finest men God ever put on this earth
May 4, 2013
Pastor Greg & Donna Heenan
Eric,
I love you my brother and you know that my heart and prayers are with you and your family.
I can remember the first time we met your dad and bought our first car from him when he was on the Gulf Coast 40 years ago. What always amazed us was that he never changed in his love toward people.
Lives will never be the same without Gerry Lane. He will always live in our hearts.
Simply put: A great man!
You know as well as anyone that the Lord Jesus will take care of everything that all of you have to go through.
You and your family have our deepest sympathy.
May 4, 2013
Hayden Moore
My thoughts are with your family during this hard time! Mr. Lane was a friend of my grandfather, Hillar C. Moore, Jr. I remember sitting next to him and his wife at an awards banquet. Mr. Gerry had me laughing the whole night and even called me out for eating my dessert first! Just from our brief meetings I could tell what a wonderful person he was! Your family is in my prayers!
May 4, 2013
Joe'l Ash
Mr. Eric I'm very sorry about your loss. But you know he is in a better place and that you will see him again. You and your family are in my prayers in this time of your loss. God bless. Joe'l ash (daughter of Royce and Kathie barker of feed my sheep ministries)
May 4, 2013
Jerry Leggio
Saundra, I was so saddened when I heard of your father's passing. I knew Gerry only briefly from encounters at the A.C. Lewis YMCA. I bought a Saturn from GERRY LANE SATURNS back in 2005. When his Saturn dealership moved, I asked Gerry if I would still be able to get servicing on my Saturn closer to town since the dealership had moved way out past Seigen. He was most accommodating, saying I could bring it into the Florida st. Chevrolet dealership and they could access my car history there and service it there. He was genuinely concerned about my satisfaction .... a testiment to his great success. He surely will be missed.
May 4, 2013
Jim Parke
Mrs. Lane Eric & Saundra
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you during this difficult time. I have had the Pleasure to know Mr. Lane through business and Rodeo. He was a very Genuine Man that was good to his community and people. I know he is so very proud of both Eric and Saundra for there achievements personally and professionally. Again May God Bless and help you thru this difficult time.
Jim Parke
May 4, 2013
wardell wilson
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
May 4, 2013
Royce & Kathie Barker
Mr.Eric and Ms.Lisa,
We are very sorry to hear of the family's great loss.We know that while
he is absent from here in his body, we
know that he is present with The Lord.
Our sincere condolences,
Mr.& Mrs. Royce Barker
Feed My Sheep Ministries
May 4, 2013
Jeffrey Wise
Mr.Jerry Lane will be missed by over millions of people that has been apart of something he has done for Baton Rouge and all of LA. From selling Cars to bringing in Rodeos This Was Such a great and Powerful Man. RIP and my prayers go out to the Lane Family
May 3, 2013
So sorry for your loss
I know God has him in His arms loving him
He was a wonderful man
May 3, 2013
He was a fine man.
Andre Fourrier
May 3, 2013
Robin Pigg
Eric and Saundra,
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your dad. He meant a great deal to us and I will never forget the day he gave Jason the knife. Jason cherished it and has now passed it on to Davis. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
May 3, 2013
Larry Buller
Eric and Family, your father was a very special person. His wisdom and his competitive spirit will remain with me always. Your dad will be missed by so many people. I am blessed to be able to say that I met Mr. Gerry. God bless you and your family
May 3, 2013
Betty & Glenn Cupit
Eric and family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this very difficult time. Mr Lane was and will always be a Great Man!
May 3, 2013
Dallas Quebedeaux
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Lane family in your time of loss. Mr. Jerry was a great man and friend to all his customers throughout the years. He personally took the time to acknowledge you when you were in his dealerships. Rest in peace Mr. Jerry. You will be deeply missed.
Showing 1 - 47 of 47 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more