Dyon Christopher Lane

Dyon Christopher Lane, 54, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 12th. Born on Wednesday, May 19, 1971, in Los Angeles, California, Dyon soon moved with his mother, Jeri Lane, to their family home on 21st Street in Northeast Washington, D.C., where he was raised with love and tradition.

Dyon began his education at Aiton Elementary School and Hugh M. Browne Junior High School before graduating from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in 1989, following in the footsteps of his grandmother, who was a proud alumna of the nation’s first public high school for Black students. He continued his studies at Hampton University and later at The University of District of Columbia (UDC), where he pursued his passion for the sciences. Gifted in STEM, Dyon majored in Marine Biology and became an active member of the Black Sea Divers organization. During his time with UDC, he led an excursion in Key West, Florida, where he discovered a historic slave ship — a moment that earned recognition from local newspapers as well as National Geographic. His strong academic background led him to his career with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Beyond his academic and professional achievements, Dyon was known for his unique sense of style. He had a gift for blending Washington, D.C. fashion labels such as Solbiato Sport with luxury designers like Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo, creating a distinctive look that reflected his confidence and creativity.

Dyon is survived by his father, Ronald Bluitt Allen; his brother, Ronald Allen; his step-mother, Gloria Allen; his daughter, Reagan C. Chatman; his beloved grandchildren, Santana O. I. Chatman and Kansas V. Chatman; and his cousin, Deana Lane Moody. He was cherished by his family, respected by his peers, and loved by all who knew him. His memory will live on through the many lives he touched.