of Yellville, AR
May 25, 1969 - April 4, 2025
Shawn Lee Lane passed away on April 4, 2025, in Mountain Home, AR, at the age of 55. Shawn was born on May 25, 1969, in Yellville, Arkansas, the son of Charlie and Madelyn Carlton. He married Tonya Blair on December 4, 1993, in Yellville, Arkansas.
Shawn spent most of his life growing up and living in Yellville, except for a couple of years when he lived in Alaska with his family. Shawn was a 1987 graduate of Yellville-Summit Schools. After high school, Mr. Lane worked part-time as a DJ and for the United Parcel Service while attending North Arkansas Community College in Harrison, Arkansas. In 1991, he began working part-time for Mr. Calvin Czeschin, the President of Yelcot Telephone Company. Soon after, he became a full-time employee, moving up the ranks from Outside Plant Installer to his current position as Vice President of Operations.
Mr. Lane was also a fixture in Marion County community protection, serving as a patrolman for the City of Yellville, an investigator for the Marion County Sheriff's Office, and holding the rank of Captain in the Yellville Volunteer Fire Department for over 17 years. He also served an extended term as Marion County Deputy Coroner.
As a leader in the local community, Mr. Lane was sworn in as Yellville Mayor in January 2007 and has proudly served the City for over 18 years. He obtained a Delta Regional Authority grant through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to create the rail spur for the industrial park. He also moved the train station from Summit to the original park in Yellville and renovated the building and caboose into the current Heritage Society. Mr. Lane was instrumental in improvements to the City Park, adding a walking trail with lights, several upgrades to the ball fields, and adding the splash pad and pickleball courts. He also created an endowment to fund future improvements for the City Park.
Shawn worked on the cleanup, restoration, and expansion of the Layton Cemetery. He later worked with a donor to establish an endowment for the cemetery through the Twin Lakes Community Foundation. A fully funded fireman's pension, permanent funding for the Yellville Volunteer Fire Department, renovation of City Hall, and new sidewalks on the square are just a few other projects accomplished under his leadership.
As Mayor, Lane served on the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District, most recently serving as Vice Chair. Mr. Lane was also appointed to the Arkansas State Aid Street Committee in 2017 and was currently serving his second four-year term.
Mr. Lane also served on the Advisory Board for the Yellville First Service Bank, the Board of Directors for the Twin Lakes Community Foundation, and the Marion County Healthcare Association, serving as President in 2014. He could be found cooking hamburgers at Panther football games on Friday nights for over 15 years. He was a long-time member of the Yellville Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the Citizen of the Year award in 2008 and 2013.
Shawn leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Shawn found joy in the simple pleasures of life, from camping trips at the White Buffalo to family vacations at the beach. He treasured sunny lake days spent on the boat, fishing with those closest to him, and always had a Coca-Cola in hand. Shawn was an avid fan of Razorback sports, eagerly attending games with his wife, family, and friends. He loved to host and grill out, bringing people together with his amazing cooking and easy going hospitality. Shawn was overjoyed to embrace the role of 'Papaw,' always excited to spend time with his granddaughter. His love extended to his grand dogs, Lincoln and Lennox, as well as his faithful family dog, Cali, who brought him endless comfort. Shawn had a gift for storytelling, captivating everyone with stories that always seemed to bring laughter and warmth. Shawn Lane's love for his family was immeasurable. He adored his wife with a devotion that was evident in everything he did, always putting her first and cherishing every moment they shared. As a father, Shawn's love for his two daughters, Mckenzi and Ryleigh, knew no bounds. He was their unwavering support, always proud of their accomplishments and their kind hearts. Shawn also embraced his sons-in-law, Rickey and Michael, as his own, treating them with the same love and respect he showed to his daughters. His kind heart, unwavering sense of humor, and passion for family will forever be remembered by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Tonya, of the home; daughters McKenzi (Rickey) Jones of Tontitown, AR, and Ryleigh (Michael) Smelcer of Conway, AR; one granddaughter, Sutton Blair Jones, of Tontitown, AR. He is also survived by his grandmother Jean Ward of Yellville, AR; parents Charlie and Madelyn Carlton of Yellville, AR and Danny Lane of Springfield, MO; and his father and mother-in-law Robert and Judy Blair of Cotter, AR; one brother, Shea (Micki) Lane of Ozark, MO; two half sisters, Megan (Eric) White of Republic, MO, and, Danielle (William) Miles of Springfield, MO; brother-in-law Bobby (Tammy) Blair; sisters-in-law Shawn (Reed) Tucker of Whiteville, AR, and Dawn (Joseph) Fleming of Nashville, TN; uncles William (Teresa) Wood of Atlanta, GA, and Johnny (Freda) Wood of Springfield, MO; aunts Anita Paulson of Yellville, AR, and Laveta (Dave) Tablish of Yellville, AR; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Shawn was preceded in death by his half brother Justin Lane; great-grandparents Jinks and Lela Wood; D.H. and Jeffie Copeland; grandparents Doyle and Norma Wood; C.M. and Dorthy Lane; Robert Ward. and uncles, Johnnie and Robert Patton.
Visitation will be held in the gymnasium at the Yellville-Summit School Panther Pavilion on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral services will also be held in the gymnasium at the Yellville-Summit School Panther Pavilion on Saturday, April 12, 2025, beginning at 12:00 pm, With Bro. Kevin Duffy and Shane Davenport officiating. Burial to follow at Layton Cemetery. Chad Darnell, Philip Frame, Jay Jones, Shea Lane, Matt Walker, Greg Watkins, and Rob Williams will serve as pallbearers.
Hunter Duren, Gene Klaasmeyer, Sara Zimmerman, Reece Bailey, Will Schuhknecht, Chad Dewey, Dave King, William Wood, and all current and former employees of Yelcot and Mountain View Telephone Companies and the City of Yellville will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to the Yellville City Park Endowment c/o Twin Lakes Community Foundation, PO Box 473, Mountain Home, AR 72654.
Services by Roller-Burns Funeral Home in Yellville, Arkansas.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 18704496621.
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23 Condolence(s)
Jim and Angela Martin
Monday, April 14, 2025
Tonya and girls, Jim and I were so very sorry to hear of Shawn's passing. Jim thought the world of Shawn and was saddened we were unable to attend the visitation or funeral. May the Lord give you comfort& peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim and Angie Martin.
Colby Harris
Saturday, April 12, 2025
I am very sorry for your loss. Shawn was a great guy and excelled with all the hats he wore. Continued prayers and comfort for all of you.
Terry & Glenna Fisk
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Dear Lane Family,
We are praying for family and friends. May God give you strength and peace now and forever.
Gayla and Bruce Edmonson
Friday, April 11, 2025
Tonya, Madelyn, Jean and Families,
Words cannot express what a wonderful person Shawn was. Nor can they take away your heartache and pain. Find peace and comfort in knowing that Shawn has overcome his pain and is watching over you all from above. Let your memories bring you happiness and don't be afraid to lean on each other for strength. And remember, Shawn will always be with us in our hearts. Rest in Peace our Precious Cousin.
Judith R. Bearden
Friday, April 11, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Mary Pangle Crabtree
Friday, April 11, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about Shawn's passing. I had Shawn in school,he was always eager to learn. It was a pleasure to have him in my class at Yellville-Summit. He will be missed. A job well done. Prayers and love for all. Mary Pangle Crabtree
Susan and Joe Shields
Friday, April 11, 2025
Madelyn and family, our hearts ache for you. I know you all are so proud of his dedication to his community and fellow man. May God comfort your hearts and give you strength to heal.
Meredith Chamberlin
Friday, April 11, 2025
Shawn made an impact on us with his integrity and kindness. It was an honor to work with him for many years. Praying for all of you.
Jason and Meredith Chamberlin
Scott Wilkins
Thursday, April 10, 2025
So sorry to hear this news. :( While reading his obituary, I realized what an amazing full life he had but was sadly ended way too soon. Wow! What a list of accomplishments and someone who touched so many lives In an absolute positive manner! I can tell he will be missed by many many people and I am positive that Shawn is with the Lord and somehow still guiding his friends and family through their sadness. RIP SHAWN .
Walter C. Severs
Thursday, April 10, 2025
My condolences to the family of Shawn Lane. As a former teacher of Shawn's at Yellville-Summit High School, I'm so very proud of the life he lived and the legacy that he leaves. Shawn left his family and friends much too soon, but actually he will never leave them as long as their memories of him remain.
Brice Smith
Thursday, April 10, 2025
There is a born date and a passing date but the story is told in hyphen. Your hyphen speaks volumes and volumes of the man you were. Your hyphen is the reason there is such a void in so many hearts. We are saddened but we are kinder and better people because of you. Shawn Lane I’m glad I got to know you and call you my friend.
Tonya, girls and family our prayers are with you all during this difficult period. May the good lord give you strength.
Richard Queen
Thursday, April 10, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to friends and family.
Paula Roddy
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Sorry for your loss
Sincere sympathy
Paula Roddy
Jeff and Tammy Piotrowski
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Tonya, and all the family, we are so sorry for your loss. Saying that Shawn was a great guy is an understatement. He has done so much for our community, and for everyone that he met. He was a great friend, and I remember working with him at yelcot back when I was a kid at the age of 19. He never met a stranger. Shawn was a Pillar in our community, and will forever be missed. Our prayers go out for the entire family.
Kristin—Highlands Oncology Nurse
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Tonya & Family,
I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Words will never fill the void that is left behind. It was a privilege and honor to care for Shawn. I am grateful for being able to have known him as he and you have impacted my life. God bless you and your family.
Laura B England
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Dear Tonya, girls, and family,
I could write so much about this kind, strong, and decent man of integrity! Shawn touched many lives including mine. He had a way of making everyone feel special. My heart goes out to all of you! Prayers for comfort and peace . Laura
Chuck Reimer
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Shawn was an awesome person. Always willing to help people especially Veterans. If you needed something and he could help, you only needed to ask. He was there for you or right with you. When you saw him, he always greeted you with kind words. Shawn you will be missed! My prayers are with your family and may our Lord comfort you all.
Mike and Donna Kaye (Benton)Treat
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
So sorry for your loss. He has done so much for yellville community. He will be missed. Thought so much of his parents. May God bless all your family at this very sorrowful time.
Lou Ketchum
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Shawn was an old friend. He will be greatly missed.
CHARLES (Chuck) MEARS
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
I remember watching Shawn first learning how to stand up (hanging on to a coffee table!!) at his mother's house at George's Creek. Please pray for his mother Madelyn ( my cousin) and his Grandmother Jean ( my aunt). Shawn, You were so awesome on Earth......I can only imagine how you will serve in HEAVEN. BYE YOUNG MAN.
Steph Lane
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
I'll miss my Uncle Shawn. He was always kind and generous with his time.
Shea Lane
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Losing Shawn is a profound and ultimately strange experience, with grief, challenges, and the reality that the loss of that brotherly bond is now gone, forever. We mourn your loss today, will remember your strengths tomorrow, and will find support in our families and friendships to help understand and recover from your passing in the future. We never forget you brother! Love you.
Julia Potts
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Shawn was a wonderful person he will be greatly missed. Many prayers for all the family!