William "Bill" M. Lane

William M. Lane, age 88 of Westerville, Ohio, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on June 13, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. Born September 15, 1935, in Columbus, Ohio to Collis Gundy and Mary Morehead Lane. Bill was the cherished twin brother of Sarah (Doug) Crabtree. He is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Susan Lane, and his beloved children, Elizabeth Jarrell, Mary Lane (Ben Wolfe), Maggie Lane, and Gundy Lane. A graduate of the Columbus Academy (1953), Amherst College (1957) and the University of Michigan Law School (1960), Bill was admitted to practice law in Ohio and before the Supreme Court of the United States.

His professional memberships included the Ohio State Bar Association, American Bar Association, and Columbus Bar Association where he contributed significantly to the fields of estate planning, trust and probate law, and real property law. Throughout his career, Bill was deeply involved in business planning for higher educational institutions, churches, and other non-profit organizations. He represented clients in various real estate matters, including commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential properties. Bill’s dedication extended to his community, serving on ad hoc committees to establish community foundations in Fairfield and Delaware counties, and representing the Scioto Conservancy District and the Ohio Insurance Guaranty Association. He held leadership positions in numerous organizations, including the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Mount Carmel College of Nursing, Rotary Club of Columbus, the Columbus Rotary Foundation, and the United Way of Delaware County. His steadfast commitment to his community, Bill was a trustee emeritus of Bexley Seabury Seminary Federations. His charity work was endless, serving on many local, regional, and national boards. Bill was a dedicated member on the board of the American Cancer Society, Franklin County Division, Ohio Division Inc., and National Division. He served on the Board of Advisors of Childhood League, Past Chair of the Board of United Way of Delaware County, Past President of Sunbury Big Walnut Chamber of Commerce, Past Chair of the Board of Delaware County Foundation, Past Member of the Governance Committee, Past Committee Member on Corporate Social Responsibility, an Episcopal Church Ambassador for Justice, the National Board of the Episcopal Church, Member of the Greater Columbus Community, and the board of Helping Hands. Known as a devote man of faith and service, Bill was also a proud member of the Pickaway County 100 Bushel Corn Club.

Bill’s legacy includes: the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review AV Preeminent rating; listings in Columbus CEO Magazine’s Top Lawyers; and recognition in The Best Lawyers of America®. He also received distinguished service awards from the Childhood League, United Way of Delaware County, American Cancer Society, Delaware County Foundation, and many more.

Bill Lane will be remembered not only for his professional achievements, but he will also be remembered for his kindness, generosity, compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to his family and his community. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence and service that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A memorial will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 125 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 4:00-7:00pm at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Rd, Columbus, Ohio, 43221. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mount Carmel College of Nursing: http://donor.mountcarmelfoundation.org and Greater Columbus Community Helping Hands, Inc: helpinghandsforyouth.org, reflecting Bill’s lifelong dedication to others. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences.