Lane Carlson Obituary

Carlson, Lane
June 6, 1919 - September 20, 2010
Colonel Lane Carlson was born in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, the only child of Guy and Mae Lane Carlson (long time residents of Studio City.) She graduated from Scotts Bluff High School, Sullins College, the University of Missouri and earned an MA from Stanford University. She was one of the first five colonels in the WACS. She was aide to General MacArthur in Japan and was Helen Keller's guide there. She was technical director on "Francis Joins the WACS." Before retiring in 1973 at Fort Mac Arthur in San Pedro, CA, she was editor of Soldiers Magazine at the Pentagon. She died peacefully in her home in La Jolla. She leaves friends and cousins. She will be missed.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Oct. 3, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Lane Carlson

12 Entries

Ethel (Simianer) Williams

October 25, 2010

We are proud of Colonel Lane Carlson and all of our WWII WACS. Bless them all.

sally adams

October 19, 2010

Words are hard for me to adequately express what Col Lane carlson meant to my mother, Helen Abbott. Mother spoke of Lane often and so admired her, Lane was talented and brilliant. so many will miss her, Sally Abbott Adams

Linda Abbott Cheedle

October 19, 2010

My mother, Helen Abbott, was a friend of Mae and Guy Carlson in Scottsbluff, NE, when Lane was a child, and her friendship continued with Mae and Guy until they passed away. She continued her friendship with Lane, and they sent Christmas cards to each other until her death in 2002.
She admired Lane so much, and I think in a way she considered Lane to be one of her own.
My condolences to her many friends and colleagues.
She will certainly be missed by many people, I know.
Linda Abbott Cheedle, Fort Collins CO

October 16, 2010

I had the honor to spend the last few weeks of colonel's life as her physical therapist. She was not walking for a few months by the time we started PT. We were able to witness her goal of walking again in the short time we were together. Thank you Colonel for showing me true courage!!

October 6, 2010

I knew Lane when my Cousin Lin moved back to California from teaching at the University of Arkansas. Lovely lady, a good role model for any young woman. Elizabeth Springer Beckett

October 6, 2010

We became friends with Lane in 1976 when we moved into La Jolla as neighbors. Mary Gordon and Lane were at once among our favorites. . .always planning parties and working for the betterment of our neighborhood. After Mary Gordon passed, Lynn Springer came into the picture. Lane's gift to get people together continued. In 2002 we chose to change to a desert location. I'll never forget the neighbors' "goodbye (Lane in lead) bidding us adieu.
I recall Lane and Lynn saying we will give it five years. . .
They'll be back. That was eight years ago. But we have maintained our relationship with our beloved friend, who
we loved very much. She is already missed.

Walter, Janice , Lindsay Lloyd and Bryn Lloyd Stuebner. still here in the desert in La Quinta)

Grace E. McMillan

October 5, 2010

Deepest sympathy. Condolences to her family and many friends.

WAC Chapter 97 - Hernando

Bette Flick

October 4, 2010

I had the pleasure of knowing and serving with Lane Carlson when I was a young WAC officer. She lit up any room just by walking into it and her enthusiasm and interest in everything was contagious. She had a clever, quick wit and was well-suited to work in the public information area.
My sincere sympathy to her family and friends.

October 4, 2010

I am Lane's namesake, and well before my birth Lane was the namesake for our Lane family, a legacy of remarkable women (and men) known for their accomplishments and longevity (including my beloved grandmother Stella, whom Lane also loved and admired deeply). I am honored to share my name with such an extraordinary woman, the loss of whose presence from my life will be sorely missed and not forgotten. Lane showed me great love and generosity since the day I was born, and I have always loved, respected and admired her in return. She lived an amazing life and her memory will live on. ~ Lani Lane Ludwig

Pat Jernigan

October 4, 2010

I regret that I didn't know Col. Carlson personally, but she was a highly regarded WAC leader. As noted, she was among the first women selected for promotion when the long standing restrictions limiting women to the grade of lieutenant colonel were lifted. President Johnson signed the bill opening all ranks to women. It took a while, but over time women have come to hold all ranks in the US Army.

COL Carlosn was one of the pioneers who made it possible for those of us who came along later to have greater opportunities.

I salute her. May she rest in peace.

Charla Martinez

October 3, 2010

Lane is my first cousin and was a wonderful woman who had a fantastic military career. I miss her very much.
Charla Ludwig Martinez

October 3, 2010

Colonel Lane Carlson is entitled to recieve Military Honors. Family members can contact The California State Honor Guard at 619-726-9033. It will be our honor to present the American Flag to a family member of Colonel Carlson.

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