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Roll Call Tribute

Lane Horstmann '50 February 28, 2020 9:18 AM updated: February 28, 2020 9:27 AM

Lane Elroy Horstmann, Sr.
DECEMBER 23, 1926 – DECEMBER 9, 2019

Lane was born to Otto Bismarck and Eddie Mae (Cannon) Horstmann, December 23, 1926, in Cameron, Texas. He departed his earthly life December 9, 2019, just two weeks before his 93rd birthday. He was a life-long and fully committed member of the United Methodist church, into which he was born and to which he gave of himself without reservation. To have known Lane is to be certain that he now resides in the loving embrace of his heavenly home.

He was preceded in death by his father Otto Bismarck, better known as OB or "Bis", and mother Eddie Mae, as well as his older sister Shirley Spilman, younger brother Edward Horstmann, and younger sister Margaret Bailey. He is survived by Lillian, his wife of 67 years; son Lane, Jr. and wife Linda B.; son Leland and wife Linda C.; and daughter Lorinda and husband Chris Boyd. Also surviving are grandchildren Carrie Kohl, Travis Horstmann, Michelle Ross, Emily Horstmann, Christopher Horstmann, Kyle Horstmann, Karl Boyd and Katherine Boyd and great grandchildren Lincoln, Macy and Jenna Kohl.

The Horstmann family's roots run deep in Milam and surrounding counties of central Texas. Lane grew up in Cameron and graduated from Yoe High School in 1944. He immediately joined the army and was sent to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, for basic training. Once on active duty he became part of the massive troop flotilla intended for the invasion of mainland Japan. Much to the relief of the afore mentioned progeny, the war came to an end and instead of invading Japan Lane spent the remainder of his enlistment as part of an engineering company constructing Kimpo air field in Korea.

Upon his discharge from the military, Lane returned home to Cameron and through the generosity of the G.I. Bill enrolled in Texas A&M, from which he graduated in 1950 having earned a Master of Science degree in geology. Following college Lane moved to Dallas to work for Lone Star Producing Co. as a geologist. While living in Dallas and attending First Methodist church he met his soul mate, Lillian Thompson, in Sunday school class. They were married November 1, 1952. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Midland, Texas, where Lane became district geologist for Lone Star, and the family grew to include Lane Jr., Leland and Lorinda. In 1963, following the death of his father, Lane and family returned to Cameron to assist his mother with the family business. Five years later with the business reorganized and on stable footing Lane was able to rejoin Lone Star Producing and the family moved again, this time to Abilene, Texas.

The fortunes of the oil business being what they were in the late 1960's, Lone Star's Abilene office was consolidated with their San Antonio Office, which were all then moved to Houston in 1970. Lane served Lone Star, later renamed Ensearch Exploration, as regional Vice President until leaving Ensearch to become a successful independent consulting geologist.

His long and successful professional career never overshadowed his devotion to church and family. He had the privilege to be part of numerous United Methodist congregations including his family's home church First Methodist, Cameron; First Methodist, Dallas; First Methodist, Midland; Aldersgate United Methodist, Abilene; and finally Fair Haven United Methodist, Houston; with which he had, by far, the longest association.

Lane loved helping people, unconditionally. He was generous with his gifts and service wherever and whenever they were needed. He loved his church, fishing, the Astros, golf, and everything about being an Aggie.

Finally, his proudest accomplishment was his family and the strong, productive, passionate and compassionate people they have become and to have loved one person for 67 devoted years. By this measure he had everything anyone would want in life.

According to his wish Lane will be interred at Memorial Oaks Cemetery at a later date.

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