Sam W. Lane, Jr., age 89, died Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Center.
Visitation will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 28, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in
Center. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in
Center.
Sam was born February 26, 1936, in Austin, Texas, to Sam W. Lane, Sr. and Irene Childs Lane, who predeceased
him. He spent his early years in Center, Texas, with his aunt and uncle, Judge Wardlow Lane and Lois Lane and
was devoted to both them and his parents. Sam graduated from the University of Texas School of Business and
later joined the United States Army in 1960. He earned his Juris Doctor in 1965 from the University of Texas at
Austin School of Law, admitted to Texas Bar in 1966, and went on to open a private law practice in Dallas, Texas.
Sam enjoyed listening to music, reading, and watching football, especially the Texas Longhorns. He loved his
afternoon naps, jogging, skiing, and spending time in Pagosa Springs.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Sam W. Lane, Sr. and Irene Childs Lane; and brother, Wardlow Lane II.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Frances; sister-in-law, Linda; nieces, Lauren Lane and Aleshia Fife and
husband Keith; nephews, Wardlow Lane III and wife Catherine and Mark Massey and wife Wendy; and many
great nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Wardlow Lane III, Michael Soto, Kristopher Dufrene, Frank Lane M.D., Donald Monroe, and
Howard Busby.
Thank you to the ladies of HeartsWay Hospice for their great care and compassion. Special thanks to nieces,
Lauren and Aleshia, and nephew, Wardlow III and wife Catherine, for their help to Frances in caring for Sam at
home during his illness.
Memorial donations may be made to Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library, 619 Tenaha Street, Center, Texas
75935.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com