Lane Olin Austin

Lane O. Austin, age 81, of Princeton, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on February 2, 1945, in Bluefield, West Virginia, Lane was the second child of James and Vera Austin. From an early age, he was recognized for his keen intellect and steady judgment—qualities that would define both his character and his life’s work. Lane graduated from Graham High School before continuing his education at the University of Kentucky and later the University of Kentucky College of Law. After completing a year of law school, he answered the call to serve his country during the Vietnam War. He was stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland, where he served honorably as a Special Agent with U.S. Army Intelligence for the duration of his military service. Upon completing his service, Lane returned to law school and graduated Order of the Coif in 1973. Throughout his distinguished legal career at Sanders & Austin, Lane served his clients with unwavering integrity, diligence, and compassion. He possessed a profound respect for the law and a commitment to justice, always striving to secure the best possible outcome for those who entrusted him with their cases. On March 28, 1988, Lane married Margaret “Peggy” Shoda, the love of his life and devoted partner of 37 years. Together, they built a home defined by warmth, generosity, and gracious hospitality. Their greatest joy was raising their three strong-willed sons, who remained the very heart of their lives. Of all his accomplishments, Lane most cherished his role as a dad and, later, as a grandad. He worked tirelessly to provide a life of opportunity and security for his family, instilling in his children the values of integrity, honesty, perseverance, and thoughtful discernment. Lane enjoyed a rich and active social life, due in no small measure to Peggy’s gift for bringing people together. He was a treasured member of several dinner groups and gatherings, where his ready smile and remarkable storytelling were hallmarks of every evening. Blessed with an extraordinary memory, Lane had a gift for recounting moments and memories in a way that made others feel as though they were living them alongside him. Lane is survived by his beloved wife, Peggy Austin; his sons, Brandon (Krystin) Austin, Clay Austin, and Chase (Harley) Austin; his cherished granddaughters, Claire and Elise Marie Austin; his sister, Vera Lee Austin; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues who will forever honor and cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Vera Austin; his nephew, Luke Austin; his brothers, J. Rudy Austin and Dr. William “Bill” Austin; and his dear friends, Michael Gibson and Terry Lampert. A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 5, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mercer Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 6, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Princeton. Pallbearers will be Brandon Austin, Clay Austin, Chase Austin, Jimmy Knowles Sr., Kenny Murphy, and Buddy Johnston. Honorary pallbearers are William “Henry” Sanders III, Dr. Phillip Branson, Lawrence Morhous, and Gary Boyce. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we find comfort in knowing that Lane’s legacy endures in the wisdom he imparted, the integrity he exemplified, and the lives he so profoundly shaped. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

Lane Olin Austin

February 2, 1945 - February 27, 2026