Michael H. Lane

He is survived by his wife of 31 years Debby Lane. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons Michael (Tamara) Lane, Richard Lane and Todd George (fiancé Mindy), his daughter Allison Lane, his stepdaughter Tracy Herbert, his stepson Tommy (Megan) George, grandchildren Kylan and Ian Lane and his sister Martha Lane. He was predeceased by his daughter Kelly Lane and his parents Margaret and Harry Lane.

Mike was born on January 8, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri where he lived throughout most of his life. His family moved to Shrewsbury, a suburb of St. Louis, in 1953 where he met and established a large group of friendships that he maintained throughout the rest of his life. It was amazing how many friends he had for such long periods of time. It was a testament to his character and engaged nature.

He graduated from Bishop DuBourg High School in 1960 where he was an exceptional student and played varsity basketball and baseball. He often (actually very often) bragged about his athletic prowess including the numerous no-hitters he pitched, and his “patented” set shot. No one today probably really knows what a set shot is, but he did make many of them even decades after he quit playing basketball.

Mike put himself through St. Louis University by working numerous side jobs where he majored in accounting. He graduated with high honors and passed his CPA exam before beginning his career with Price Waterhouse. He spent 8 years with Price Waterhouse in both St. Louis and Miami before making the most important decision of his career when he joined Laclede Steel Company. The rest of his career was spent with Laclede which was often marked with great challenges, opportunity, and personal achievement. Laclede was a company that experienced both tremendous success and failure during Mike’s 30 years including a bankruptcy which he was instrumental in leading the company through during that time. His role and responsibilities at Laclede expanded significantly over the years where he was able to utilize many of his talents beyond accounting including his exceptional ability to write clearly and succinctly. After retiring from Laclede, Mike spent years as a financial consultant for several companies including Wellington Environmental.

Retirement afforded Mike the opportunity to pursue many of his interests including spending time with his family, working on his golf game at Norwood Hills Country Club, enjoying dinners out with his wife Debby, attending numerous St. Louis Cardinal baseball and Rams football games. He also enjoyed his home in Venice, Florida which was a goal of his to live on the golf course with his cart in the garage. Time spent on the golf course with family and friends were some of the happiest days of his life.

Mike was a person who always worked hard, stood up for what was right and did everything in his power to help those he cared for. He had an unbelievable way of understanding and solving problems. Those skills he freely offered and utilized to help anyone in need. There are many people who were able to solve some tricky problems thanks in part to Mike’s guidance.

Describing Mike would not be complete without talking about his love of competition. Whether on the golf course, the racquetball court or in a business setting, Mike felt the focus, discipline and extra effort that comes from trying to win set him apart from others.

In 1985, Mike’s daughter Kelly was involved in a life changing car accident that resulted in permanent disability and significant brain damage. Mike utilized all his problem-solving skills, resources, and time to help Kelly enjoy a rich and fulfilling life. He along with Karen Lane made tremendous sacrifices to help Kelly navigate the complications of her injuries.

The family would like to thank and acknowledge the care and support he received from his caretaker Brenda Nichols with Unique Quality Home Care, LLC and St. Croix Hospice in addition to the 24 hours a day care his wife Debby provided after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 11:30 am at Pietro's, 3801 Watson Road, St. Louis, Missouri. An online guestbook will be available at the Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary website. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Brain Injury Foundation of St. Louis or the Alzheimer’s Association would be greatly appreciated.

Please leave a fond memory of Mike for his family to cherish at the "Add a Memory" link below.