Alan R. Shane

WILLIAMSPORT - Washington County education icon Alan R. Shane passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025 in the care of the stellar Doey's House near Hagerstown. He was born March 9, 1932 in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, to Norris and Alice Jones Shane.
Alan Shane grew up near Frederick, MD, and enlisted in the US Army in 1951. He was destined for combat in South Korea when the Army discovered their paratrooper-in-training had suffered a serious foot injury at the age of sixteen. He was transferred to the 94th Ordnance Company in Sendai, Japan to write hometown press releases. A lifetime of public service started there: Shane helped Japanese war orphans in his free time. He was honorably discharged in 1954. By then, he had been awarded the Occupation Medal (Japan), a Korean Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal, and attained the rank of Corporal.
Shane attended Frostburg State Teachers College, where he met his wife of 69 years, Janice Arlene Spessard, of Hagerstown. The two married on February 2, 1956. Two years later, both graduated with teaching degrees, and Alan became a teacher and later an administrator for Washington County schools over a career spanning 28 years. He helped begin the district's outdoor education program and served as its first principal. During summers, he served as Program Director at Camp Sinoquipe of the Boy Scouts of America in Fulton County, Pennsylvania. He belonged to the Hagerstown Jaycees and was also a long-time member and supporter of the C&O Canal Association. He served on the Community Action Council Board of Directors. He earned a Masters of Education from Shippensburg University in 1964. From 1965 until 1986 he served numerous schools as a pupil personnel liaison and was occasionally utilized by the county as an interim school principal.
After retiring from the Board of Education in 1986, Shane was recruited by the Sheriff's Department to oversee alternative sentencing, then did the same for the State's Attorney's Office in Washington County. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Salvation Army. He served the Mental Health Association and also Big Brothers Big Sisters as a board member, case worker, and big brother. Shane was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church of Williamsport from 1970, filling numerous leadership roles as well as participating in the Maryland Synod. He was a key member of the men's fellowship group from its inception, offering support and leadership. "He sang in the men's chorus, ushered and was one of the most personable greeters, welcoming worshippers," remembers his longtime minister and close friend, Reverend Greg Martin. The Martins' children regarded Shane as their honorary grandfather.
Shane was an active member of the Disabled American Veterans, Ralph S. Tagg Jr. Chapter 14, for 42 years. The Chapter elected him Sergeant at Arms from 1994 through 1999, and then appointed him Chaplain, a post he held for 23 years.
He was an avid canoeist and canoe safety instructor. He volunteered time to Elderhostel events in the tri-state area. Shane learned the art of caning later in life and gave caning demonstrations at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center. A longtime cyclist, he rode up until six days prior to his death.
The third oldest of seven children, Alan is survived by his youngest sister, Elizabeth Shane Malloy of San Antonio, Texas. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Janice, daughter Laura (John) of Rockville, son David (Brenda) of Williamsport, and son Andy (KayCee) who resides in Texas and Michigan. He has two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Norris D., James R., and Phillip O., and his sisters Joan Shane Mackenzie and Sarah Shane Warner.
Donations may be made to Doey's House in his name. Their address is Doey's House, 11370 Caring Pathway Lane, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742 https://hospiceofwc.org/doeys-house
A memorial service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 35 West Potomac Street, Williamsport, Maryland on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 2:00 pm.
Online condolences may be made to the family at: www.osbornefuneralhome.net To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Alan, please visit our Tree Store.