Robert "Bob" Lane Obituary (1955 - 2017)

Robert “Bob” Lee Lane was born in Landstuhl, Germany on January 7, 1955, the youngest of three boys, to Lt. Colonel Kennard Lane and Juanita Lane and passed away on December 12, 2017. Bob, with his parents and brothers Kennard, Jr. and Gerald, returned to the United States when Bob was eighteen months old. Bob often reflected that he came to this country with no money, no skills, and no education – but he worked hard and made something of himself. Growing up in a military family, necessitated relocating frequently. As a result, Bob grew up in Germany, Youngstown, Detroit, Washington, D.C., Portsmouth Ohio and ultimately resided in Bexley, Ohio. Bob lettered in football and graduated from Portsmouth High School, The Ohio State University, and Capital University Law School, from where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 1981. Bob was the consummate OSU Buckeye and Cincinnati Reds fan; however, his greatest joy was his love for his family: wife Betsey (nee Fettman), daughters Danielle & Anna and son Wm. Fred. Bob enjoyed a successful career as Chief Appellate Counsel with the Ohio State Public Defenders office, spanning over 30 years. His career was highlighted by mentoring many junior attorneys and successfully arguing a case before the Supreme Court of the United States, in 1991. Bob’s work for social justice continued in his retirement when he assumed the role of Vice President of the Jewish Community Relations Council with the Columbus Jewish Federation. In this capacity, Bob led efforts to provide meaningful and relevant Holocaust education for schools and for the greater community. Bob also developed many successful programs for Israel advocacy. In addition to these activities, Bob volunteered as the Vice President of the Columbus Torah Academy Board and was co-commissioner of the Columbus Baseball Invitational Tournament; also known as the Jewish World Series. In addition to his brothers, wife, and children, Bob is mourned by Gloria Fettman, Steve and Jodi Fettman, Michael Fettman, Hope and Greg Davis, Matthew Fettman, Vicki Lane, a large extended family, and many dear friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:30am on Wednesday, December 13 at Epstein Memorial Chapel, 3232 E. Main St. Interment will follow at New Beth Jacob Cemetery. Shiva will be observed at the Lane residence.To honor Bob’s life’s work and memory, contributions may be made to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank, The Holocaust Survivors’ Initiative of the Columbus Jewish Federation, The Columbus Torah Academy Columbus Baseball Invitational, or Congregation Torat Emet/The Main Street Synagogue.