John Albert Lane, 81, of Bowling Green, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Though he faced health challenges in recent years, John’s passing was marked by grace, dignity, and in keeping with the independent spirit by which he lived his life.

Born in Colorado, John spent his early years moving across the country due to his father’s career before settling in northern Virginia, where he graduated from Wakefield High School. He attended North Carolina Wesleyan College, but his studies were interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. John served with distinction for over three years as a forward observer and Field Artillery Unit Commander, earning multiple decorations, including two Air Medals with Valor. He was honorably discharged as a Second Lieutenant and returned to North Carolina to complete his college degree in Chemistry.

John embarked on a successful career in banking, beginning at NCNB in Greensboro, North Carolina, but primarily with Union Bank & Trust in Ladysmith and Bowling Green. He retired as a Executive Vice President from what is now Atlantic Union Bank. A dedicated member of his community, John was a longtime parishioner of St. Asaph’s Episcopal Church, a former Mayor of Bowling Green, a founding member of the Bowling Green Economic Development Authority, and a Trustee and Treasurer of Lakewood Cemetery.

In his retirement, John fully embraced life’s simple joys. Whether tending to his meticulously kept yard, preparing a delicious meal, or cheering on his children and grandchildren, he found fulfillment in the moments spent with loved ones. He also cherished time on the golf course with friends and was a proud member of the Caroline Gentleman’s Club.

John is survived by his beloved wife of almost 27 years, Carolyn Barlow Lane; his four daughters, Sally L. Hartley, Ryan L. Carter (Mickey), Katie L. Storke (David), and Sara L. Leach (Scott); his “bonus” children, Tracey Mallory (Ashley) and Ashley Gray (Cathy); his twin brother, Bob Lane (Wanda); and his cherished grandchildren: Carter Hartley, “Andie” Hartley, Will Carter, Harrison Carter, Graham Carter, Mary-Katherine Carter, Gordon Storke, Baylor Storke, Jud Leach, Parker Leach, and Campbell Leach. He is also survived by his bonus grandchildren: Wesley and Ashby Storke, Kailey and Kamryn Gray, and Nolan and Emerson Mallory, his mother-in-love, Betty Ann Barlow; and three sisters in law, Pudney Pitts (CJ), Betty Rae Johnson (Arthur) and Amy Whittaker (Dennis) and a very special friend, Rick Beale. John was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Neil and Mary Lane and his sister, Patricia Lane.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 29th from 4-6pm at Storke Funeral Home, Bowling Green. A service celebrating John’s life will be held on Sunday, March 30^th at 2:00pm at The Barns at Mattaponi Springs 23134 Penola Road, Ruther Glen, with a reception following in the pavilion there. Following the service, he will be cremated in accordance with his wishes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John’s memory to Caroline Emergency Services 233 W. Broaddus Ave. Bowling Green VA 22427 or Friends of the Rappahannock https://riverfriends.org/donate/

John was a man of honor, humor, and heart. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Click here to watch livestream of the funeral service.