Lane Hal McGaha was welcomed by his Heavenly Father and his loved ones on the afternoon of June 24, 2020, while at lake Claiborne doing what he loved most. Lane was born on July 27, 1982, to Fred and Lesa McGaha in Ruston, LA.  He loved North Louisiana for its many lakes and woods and lived in Ruston for most of his life.  He attended Hillcrest Elementary, Ruston Junior High and Ruston High School.  There he excelled as an athlete in any sport that was offered.  He led his Bearcats as a team captain and was named First All State Center in Football as a senior in 2001.  His baseball coach gave him the "clutch award" because he always managed to get the go-ahead hit when the team was down.  Lane attended Louisiana Tech University and graduated in 2006 with a degree in Sociology.  Thereafter, he joined American National as an insurance agent, remaining with the company for the rest of his life and building a thriving and successful business.

To his friends, Lane was larger than life, loved by everyone who knew him.  He would light up the room when he entered and began his storytelling.  He was known far and wide for his ability to turn any tale into a hilarious adventure, always keeping everyone laughing.

Lane's passion in life was hunting and fishing.  He was an avid sportsman, having been taught by his Daddy and Granddaddy from the time he could walk.  He participated in Fishers of Men and BFL Media Bass tournaments for last several years and was respected for his competitiveness and skill. For the last five years, Lane has served as the Coach of the Louisiana Tech Fishing Team.  In 2016, he qualified for the BFL All-American Tournament on Lake Pickwick, Alabama, where he finished 28 ^th against the best fishermen in the country.

Lane's greatest joy, however, was his precious family.  He met his wife, the love of his life Annie, when he began working at American National, and they realized that they had been in the same kindergarten class.  Lane and Annie were married on November 28, 2009.  Although they very much wanted a family, they were not blessed with children right away. In August of 2015, however, they welcomed twin baby girls, Macy and Layla.  Those girls were the light of his life and he gave his all to being their Daddy.

In January of 2018, Lane suffered a devastating stroke during his preparation for a fishing tournament in Texas.  He was airlifted to Houston hospital.  In the following days, every church in Ruston and thousands of people prayed for his recovery.  All of his doctors were amazed at his progress and his ultimate ability to regain his speech and mobility.  Lane and his family returned home after only a week in the hospital.  Since that time, Lane has struggled with many health issues that made it difficult to manage every day existence.  Yet, through his pain and trials, Lane remained optimistic and did his best to continue on with the things that he had always enjoyed.  The greatest blessing of all during this time was a baby boy, Bryce, who was born in March of 2019.

Lane is preceded in death by his grandparents, Mel McGaha and Tina McGaha, Hal and Vivian Henderson.  Left to cherish his memory are his wife Annie, his children Macy Laine, Layla Grace and Bryce Hal McGaha; his father Fred McGaha (Beth) and mother Lesa Henderson; his brother Wade McGaha (Dana); his aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 29, 2020, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Owens Memorial Chapel. Services will be held at The Bridge Community Church, Hwy. 167, Ruston, on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at 2:00 P.M. under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston. A private burial will follow at Kilpatrick Memorial Gardens.  Pallbearers will be Chase McCullin, Jace Patterson, Brad Lantrip, Jason Barrett, Michael Rogers and Wade McGaha; honorary pallbearer will be Tom Carney.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Calvary Baptist Church or the Louisiana Tech Fishing Team. To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com .