Thomas "Tom" Joseph Lane

Born February 18, 1954 in Peoria to William and Audrey (Fisher) Lane, he married Judith K. Jones-Weese on August 20, 1975 in Pekin.

Surviving is his wife of 49 years; nine children, Melinda (John) Smith of Washington, Thomas (Dawn) Lane, Jr. of Danvers, Anthony (Melanie) Lane of Peoria, Andrew (Tiffany) Lane of East Peoria, Kaydon Lane of Pekin, Janet Davidson of Manito, Scott Winchell, Melissa Vaughn and Becky Lane, all of Pekin; 27 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; two sisters, Judy Hardin and Linda Kibler, both of Pekin; one brother, Bill (Sandy) Lane of Colorado and one half brother, Gary Lane.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Michael Sams; one grandson, Adam Vaughn; one great-grandchild, Lestat Gandy; four brothers; his son-in-law, Michael Davidson and brother-in-law, Norton Hardin.

Tom served as Captain of the Marquette Heights Volunteer Fire Department for ten years.

He owned and operated TJ Lane & Sons General Contracting in Pekin for 30-plus years before retiring in 2015. He also owned and operated TJ Skate Co. in North Pekin for ten years.

Tom was known as a jokester and tinkerer who enjoyed building cars, stock car and drag racing and riding motorcycles. He also enjoyed traveling out West, fishing, singing and playing the guitar.

His family was the forefront of his life, especially spending time with his grandchildren. Tom will be remembered for his willingness to help others.

A gathering celebrating Tom’s life will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025 at AmVets Post 169, 660 Radio City Drive, North Pekin, Illinois 61554. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to the family to help offset cost.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com