Lane Richard Gerhardt

Lane Richard Gerhardt, 78, of Alcoa, Tenn., passed into the loving arms of Jesus and was welcomed home by his beloved mom and loyal dog Ski on May 3, 2024.

He was born in Atlanta to Jean and Charles Gerhardt and spent his childhood moving around the country, as military families do, before spending his formative years in Virginia. No place on Earth won Lane’s heart like Puerto Rico.

Lane served his country when drafted to the infantry during the Vietnam War; he received a Purple Heart and finished his military service as a drill sergeant.

He graduated from Central Connecticut State in 1977 and earned his MBA from the University of Hartford in 1981. He was an entrepreneur, owning several businesses including a successful flooring business. His favorite line of work was teaching economics as an adjunct professor.

Previously departed family members included his sister, Dana, his father, Charles Emory Gerhardt, and his mother, Jean Richard Gerhardt. Lane is survived by his loving wife and best friend Deborah West Gerhardt; his five children, Lane Jr. and his wife Anjou, Tyson, Whitney, Kali and Zachary; his grandchildren Sadie and Jake; his brother Reid and his wife Nancy; and his niece Shannon Auge and nephew Brant.

Lane’s Military Funeral Honors ceremony is Friday, May 10 at 1:30pm at 2200 E Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920. Receiving of friends will be held from 4-6pm on Friday at Alcoa First Methodist Church (617 Gilbert St, Alcoa, TN 37701), immediately followed by the memorial service at 6pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the following causes that were near to Lane’s heart would be greatly appreciated: Kiwanis Club of Alcoa, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Honor Flight Network, Isaiah 117 House, or the youth and children’s department at Alcoa First Methodist Church.