Thomas C. “Tom” Lane, 61, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday evening, December 9, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

Thomas Charles Lane was born on April 27, 1964, in Clinton, Iowa, to Leland and Jeanette (McCarthy) Lane.  After graduating from Preston High School in 1982, Tom pursued his passion for agriculture by attending Iowa State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education in 1986. His commitment to education and agriculture led him to teach Ag Education in Jackson, Minnesota, immediately after graduation. In 1988, Tom embarked on a distinguished career with the USDA Farm Service Agency, becoming the County Executive Director for Henry County, Iowa, and in 2004 for Jackson County, Iowa. His dedication to his work and community continued as he served as the District Director for Southeast Iowa from 2017 until his passing.

Tom’s life was enriched by his loving family. He married the love of his life, Robyn Lynn Davison, on June 19, 1999, at East Iron Hill Church in rural Maquoketa. Together, they raised three daughters, Natasha, Ashley, and Kaitlyn, all of whom brought joy and pride to Tom’s life.

Tom was dedicated to his job and everything he set his mind to.  He was very knowledgeable about firearms and enjoyed building, shooting and tinkering with them.  He was a committed volunteer at the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion from 1993 until his passing, most notably as part of the OT Smokin’ Gunslingers where he played the role of ‘Father Tom’.  He was the past president and current treasurer of the Maquoketa Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America.  Tom was an active supporter of the Maquoketa Youth Trap Team and served as a coach for several years.  He also was a conservation advocate, loved history and trivia, and enjoyed playing poker with his poker group.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Robyn Lane of Maquoketa, IA; daughters, Natasha (Dennis) Payne, Ashley (Logan) Payne, and Kaitlyn (Jace) Clark, all of Maquoketa, IA; 7 grandchildren, Grace, Hunter, William, Aria, Lily, Declan, and Lincoln; his parents, Leland and Jeanette Lane of Preston, IA; and siblings, Ken (Karen) Lane of Spragueville, IA, Connie (Brian) Kurt of Long Grove, IA, Kathy (Ron) Schmidt of Spragueville, IA, Dan (Peggy) Lane of Elkader, IA, and John (Jenn) Lane of Williamsburg, IA.  He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating his life will be held from 3 to 7 P.M., Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Timber Center in Maquoketa.  A private family service will be held.  Cremation will follow the celebration.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Midwest Old Threshers, Maquoketa Youth Trap Team, or the Maquoketa Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.carsonandson.com.