Eltred Lane Thompson, age 76, of Houston, Texas, passed away Friday, August 7, 2026, at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital in Houston.

Lane was born September 9, 1949, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Though he made his life in Texas, Tennessee always remained an important part of his life, and he maintained a home there as well. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and later worked for CenterPoint Energy for 22 years.

More than anything, Lane was a family man. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a brother, and a loyal friend. He was strong, hardworking, dependable, and the kind of man his family knew they could count on.

Lane shared 52 years of marriage with his wife, Janet, and together they built a family that became the greatest part of his legacy. He watched his sons grow into men and became a proud grandfather to six grandchildren, who lovingly knew him simply as "Dumpy."

Music was also an important part of Lane's life. He was known for picking up his guitar and playing, creating the kind of moments that became part of the soundtrack of his family's memories. Those who knew him will remember not only the music he played, but the familiar sound of his voice and the little things that were uniquely Lane.

One of those things came at the end of nearly every phone call. Lane rarely just said goodbye. Instead, his family and friends could count on hearing his unmistakable, drawn-out:

"Okay, byeeeeeeeee."

It was simple, funny, and completely him—and it is something his family will hear in their hearts for years to come.

Family was never just something Lane talked about; it was something he lived. Whether spending time at his home in Tennessee or being close to his sons in Texas, family remained at the center of his life. Even the family property affectionately known as the "Triple T Ranch," representing Lane and his sons Bryan and Craig, became a small reflection of that bond.

Lane had a presence that was uniquely his own. He was someone people remembered, someone his family depended on, and someone whose absence will be deeply felt. His guitar may now be quiet, and his family may no longer hear that familiar goodbye at the end of a phone call, but the memories he created will remain.

He was the patriarch of his family, and the life he built will continue through the people he loved most.

Lane was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Juanita Thompson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Janet Thompson; his sons, Bryan Thompson and girlfriend Monique Gaspard, and Craig Thompson and wife Heather; his grandchildren, Chase Thompson, Laramie Arredondo and husband Luis, Landon Thompson and wife Kaitlyn, Kyeler Thompson, Annie Thompson, and Laila Thompson; his brother, Mark Thompson and wife Melinda; his niece, Marleah Thurman; along with numerous extended family members and friends.

Lane leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply by the years he lived, but by the family he loved, the people whose lives he touched, the songs he played, the laughter he created, and the memories that will continue to be shared for generations.

He was deeply loved, and he will be dearly missed.

And for everyone who knew exactly how Lane ended a conversation, perhaps there is only one fitting way to say goodbye:

"Okay, byeeeeeeeee."

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, August 14, 2026, at Scott Funeral Home.