Lane A. Scott

The Holy Spirit called Lane Austin Scott home on April 24, 2026. He died peacefully with his loving family by his side after a brave fight with Parkinson’s. Lane was born January 6, 1938 in Nacogdoches, Texas to Lacy and Katie Mae (Sistrunk) Scott. He grew up on a small farm outside of Carthage with his 5 siblings; he helped with chores and was a member of Future Farmers of America. He loved school and especially books. At Carthage High School he was Student Body President, voted Most Likely to Succeed, attended Boys State and was a football player. He was always active in church with his family. After high school, he felt a strong calling and, after much prayer, became a lay minister; he proudly officiated at his older brother’s wedding. He graduated from Lon Morris College, received his BS from Asbury College, Asbury Kentucky and received his MDiv from Asbury Seminary. Over time, he realized that his calling was to teach. He then received his PhD from Emory University in Atlanta.

It was during his university studies that he fell in love and married Lou Ann Dobes. After their wedding, they returned to Kentucky for his continued schooling where they were active in the church and university community. While he was pursuing his degrees, he was a United Methodist circuit rider minister (no horse) throughout Kentucky and Texas. While pursuing his doctorate in Atlanta, Lou Ann taught school and Lane led two churches. Their two amazing sons, Brad and Paul, were born while they were in Atlanta.

After receiving his doctorate, Lane and his family were invited to California where he became a professor in the Haggard School of Theology at Azusa Pacific University (then Azusa Pacific College). Lane and Lou Ann’s precious daughter Louise was added to the family. Their family continued to be active in the church and community. Sadly, Lou Ann died in 1993 after a long illness.

In 1997, Lane fell in love and married his second wife Ann Overman Scott. They were active at La Verne United Methodist Church where Lane was on the personnel board. Both were active in the choir and numerous church committees and activities. Lane’s lifelong dream was to travel, so they traveled whenever they could get away, on cruises, tours, with family and friends and on their own, to most of Europe and the UK, the Caribbean, Hawaii and the US.

Lane continued his life calling as a professor. During his long tenure at Azusa Pacific University he was also an interim Dean and Associate Provost as the university continued to grow. He retired as professor emeritus after 43 years. At his retirement, one of his graduate students wrote about him, saying, “Your life of Holiness and extreme gentleness exemplified the light of Christ, both in and out of class, to me and many others. Your patience and ability to bring out God’s Best in us will always be at the forefront of my ministry”. His love of Christ and his gentleness and concern for others was the hallmark of Lane’s career and his whole life. He was always a loving and caring Husband, Father, Grandfather and friend. He is greatly cherished and will be greatly missed.

Lane was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Lou Ann, his wonderful brothers Orville and Donald, and his very special sisters Wanda and Shirley. He is survived by his beloved wife Ann, amazing brother Mervin, and his caring and devoted children Brad (and Lisa), Paul (and Halee), Louise, six beautiful and brilliant granddaughters, Katie F. Jackie, Jordyn, Katie M., Ellie and Vivi, and two adorable great grandsons. He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces and their families.

The family would like to thank Lane’s caregiver Maira for her selfless care over the past 3 years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to Azusa Pacific University or to the charity of their choice. The funeral for Lane will be on Thursday, May 21 at 9:00 am in the Memorial Chapel, Oakdale Memorial Park, 1401 S Grand Avenue, Glendora, CA 91740. The visitation will be Wednesday May 20 at 5:00 in the Memorial Chapel, Oakdale Memorial Park.

Lane’s last sweet prayer was, “Dear Lord, I am honored to be your servant”.