Milton Bradley Lane

Milton Lane, 72, passed away on August 16, 2025, at Everystep Kavanagh House. He was born July 1, 1953, in Cleveland, Tennessee to Charles and Fern Lane. Milton grew up in Tennessee and attended Georgia Cumberland Academy during his high school years. His career in information technology led him to California where he spent the majority of his career working at Loma Linda University Medical Center.
Milton was a kindhearted gentle soul and one of the most generous people you'd meet.
He was always thinking of ways to help others and didn't hesitate when the opportunity presented itself. Milton never tooted his own horn or boasted about his philanthropy even though his generosity lifted up many lives. Milton was also a tad-bit eccentric. It wasn't uncommon to see him wearing a stocking cap on a hot summer day while touting its "natural health benefits".
Milton embarked on many research projects which focused on ideas for improving our communities, the people who live within them and our world. Some of his ideas were inspired by his passion for history, religion, and culture.
If you were planning a trip, you would be remiss if you didn't reach out to Milton. You could count on him to give you tips for the little nuggets that would never be found on Google Maps or Wikipedia, whether it be a cozy café with fried artichokes and bumbleberry ice cream or a remote trail with a breathtaking waterfall.
Milton loved the majesty of the mountains, the grandeur of the ocean but most of all he loved his travel companion and soul mate- Elizabeth. In 1996, while exploring the Zion Narrows, he met Elizabeth. Milton moved to Des Moines where he and Elizabeth were married in an intimate ceremony on January 1, 2010. With their shared love for travel, Milton was always planning their next adventure. They continued to relish challenging day hikes in the Zion Narrows, Zion Subway, Angels Landing and Mount Whitney; incredible cable hikes up Half Dome in Yosemite and the prized Napili coast hike in Kauai.
Milton treasured their annual trip to Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena. Because he was a genealogy sleuth, he and Elizabeth ventured on many trips to towns in Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan to explore Elizabeth's family ancestry and were thrilled to meet some of Elizabeth's distant relatives.
Milton was a devoted husband and cared tirelessly for Elizabeth. In her final days, he never left her side.
Milton was preceded in death by his wife and soulmate, Elizabeth, his parents Charles and Fern Lane and numerous relatives and friends.
Donations may be made in Milton's name to Polk County Jester Park Nature Center where he and Elizabeth spent countless hours enjoying observing the elk, bison, and beauty of the countryside. Although no visitation is planned, memorial donations and comments may be sent (physically or online) to the Iles Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA 50322, (www.ilesfuneralhomes.com).
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