Lane Tyler Crockett

Longtime theatre and entertainment critic, Lane Tyler Crockett, died October 4, 2024, closing the last chapter of his remarkable life. There will be a private burial service in his hometown of Ballinger, Texas. A celebration of life in Shreveport will be announced soon.

Lane was born November 8, 1941, in Ballinger, Texas to a proud D.B. Crockett and Wanda Lane Crockett. Avidly participating in his upbringing were his sister, Linda, and Great Aunties Vic, Lula, Mant, and Mae. From all of them, he received quite an education in good humor, decency, and loyalty, which served him well throughout his life.

After graduating Ballinger High School in 1960, he continued his education at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, earning bachelor's degrees in history and journalism. During this time, he served as entertainment editor for The Daily Toreador on the Texas Tech campus.

After graduating from Texas Tech in 1964, Lane entered the United States Air Force, serving a tour of duty assigned to a Medical Service Corps unit stationed in Japan. Also, Lane wrote articles for Stars & Stripes newspaper.

After honorable discharge from service in 1968, Lane found employment at the Shreveport Journal. Thus began his five-decade responsibility of previewing, interviewing, and critiquing Northwest Louisiana’s performing arts, especially theatre. In 1977, he joined The Shreveport Times, recently purchased by Gannett. The media mogul eventually recognized Lane’s talent by assigning him to interview Hollywood legends, such as Lucille Ball and Cary Grant – interviews which were published across Gannett’s syndicated newspapers.

In 2004, Lane retired from The Shreveport Times. For the next four years, he continued reviewing shows for The Forum Magazine. After he fully retired in 2008, he still reviewed select shows for his many followers on Facebook. The comments and interactions gave him great satisfaction.

Lane was extremely well-read and was happiest with a book in his hand. He had a Wikipedia-like knowledge of literature, film, and theatre, which he brought to his criticism, as well as to everyday conversation. His ability to cross-reference books, plays, and films with their authors, playwrights, directors, and actors was astonishing. Surprisingly, he had the same knowledge and love of college football and was an ardent Texas Tech fan. Also, Lane never missed a moment of any Olympics.

High standards were the hallmark of Lane as a journalist, critic and especially as a friend. He was constantly doing “small” favors with a sense of what someone really needed in a moment. He greatly supported the efforts of others, especially in film and theatre. Lane loved nothing better than dinner with friends and his well-known, hearty laugh was infectious. He was a warm, delightful person who generously shared the big-hearted love he possessed.

Lane Crockett is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Linda Crockett Johnson; brother-in-law, Richard Wayne Johnson, as well as dearest friends Anne Gremillion, Jim Montgomery, and Nancy Humphries. Left to cherish his memory are nieces, Vicki Johnson Rieken and husband Jay, Cynthia Johnson Spreen and husband Kevin; great nieces and nephews, Lindy Ferguson, Chase Bowman and wife Amber, James Bowman, Chance Reiken, Payton Spreen and wife Lauren, Haley Spreen; great-great nieces and nephews, Brooke, Rachel, Raylan, Henry and countless close friends.

The family thanks the staff of Willis-Knighton Pierremont, Dr. Scott McRight and close friends Dr. Larry Powell, Randal Beach, and John Gayle for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Lane’s name to Friends of Marjorie Lyons Playhouse, 2700 Woodlawn Avenue, Shreveport, Louisiana 71104, Community Foundation of North Louisiana, 401 Edwards Street Suite 105, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101, or the non-profit of your choice.