Bert Lana

Bert Lana, 90, of Abilene passed away on Monday, May 20, 2013 after suffering a heart attack. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the University Church of Christ. Interment will be in Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 US Hwy 277 S, Abilene. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 67:30 p.m. at the University Church of Christ Chapel, 733 EN 16th, Abilene. All services are under the direction of Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South.

Bert was born September 11, 1922 in Harrah, Oklahoma to Jaroslav and Antonia Dolezal Lana, recent immigrants from Czechoslovakia, and was raised in Stilwell, OK. Upon high school graduation, he was offered several scholarships and chose to attend Oklahoma AM where he played varsity football his freshman year. There he received ROTC training before being sent to the European Theater as an Army combat infantryman until his discharge in 1945. After WW II he was awarded another football scholarship and completed a B.S. from Southeastern State College in Durant, OK. There he met and married Beth Robnett, the love of his life. In 1953 he earned a M.A. in School Administration from the University of Oklahoma. For many years Bert served as a teacher, coach and principal in several Oklahoma schools. In addition to his coaching successes, he was a popular sports referee.

In 1974 Bert was appointed Superintendent at Fort Worth Christian Schools and served as Chief of Police at Abilene Christian University from 198088. For over thirty years he delivered Meals on Wheels and volunteered at the Christian Service Center in Abilene until his passing. In 2004, he received a Jefferson Award, one of the highest accolades a volunteer can receive. It is designed to honor everyday people doing extraordinary things.

Bert served as a deacon in Churches of Christ in Duncan, OK, Fort Worth, and Abilene. He was preceded in death by Beth, his wife of 66 years, and four older brothers and sisters. He is survived by a son, Philip two daughtersinlaw Chris and Trisha granddaughters Brooke, Lisa, Rebecca and Jessica two sisters and a brother and many nephews and nieces.

If you so desire, memorial donations may be made to Christian Service Center, 901 Mesquite St, Abilene 79601 or Meals on Wheels, 717 N 10th St, Abilene 79601.

Visitation

University Church of Christ
733 E. N. 16th
Abilene, TX  79601
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
6 till 7:30 PM

Service

Funeral

University Church of Christ
733 E. N. 16th St
Abilene, TX  79601
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
11 AM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606