Thomas "Tom" Archer Lane

Thomas "Tom" Archer Lane passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 10th surrounded by his loving family. A lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Tom was born on August 14th, 1951 to Horace and Margaret Lane, who predeceased him.

A graduate of Centenary University, where he formed lifelong friendships as a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity, Tom went on to earn his Law Degree from Southern University. Tom served his country honorably in the United States Air Force.

Tom’s legal career spanned nearly forty years, beginning in practice alongside his father, Horace C. Lane, before partnering with his cousin, George S. Cotton. He later served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Louisiana, specializing in the Litigation Division.

Beyond his professional achievements, Tom found community at Trinity Episcopal Church. One of the most meaningful experiences of his life was a mission trip to a village near Copán Ruinas, Honduras, where he helped build a retaining wall to protect a local Episcopal church from flooding.

To those who knew him, Tom will be remembered for his dry wit, gentle nature, and unwavering kindness. He cherished time with family and friends, often sharing conversations at the City Club of Baton Rouge.

He is reunited in heaven with his beloved wife of 36 years, Sherill Womack Lane, whose memory he cherished every day.

Tom is survived by his daughters, Camille Womack Palmer and her husband Richard Seely, and Caroline Copeland Lane; his sons, Malcolm Taylor Lane and his wife Christie, and Archer Cotton Lane; his grandchildren, Shawn, Riker, Logan, and Penny; his sister, Maggie Lane Evans, and her husband, Jim Evans; and his nephew, Mark Evans, and his wife Courtney.

Visitation will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Thursday, May 15th at 9:30am, followed by the service at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice.