Robert Lane Monk

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Lane Monk, known most fondly as Daddio, Poppy, and Midnight Cowboy. Lane, 74, passed peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at his home in Fairhope, Alabama, after a bravely fought battle against cancer. 

Son of the late Dorothy ‘Grace’ Meriwether King and the late Robert Clay Monk (Jeanette Rushing Monk), Lane was born in West Point, Georgia. He attended Troup County High School in LaGrange, Georgia and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, graduating with honors from Auburn University, where he met his beloved wife, Gayle. He enjoyed a 36-year career with Teledyne Brown Engineering and later returned to higher education, earning his Master of Sciences degree in Management from Florida Institute of Technology. Lane was a member of Theta Xi fraternity and a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus as a Fourth Degree Knight. He was an avid mystery novel reader, golfer, and lover of country music. He took great pride in his family and loved nothing more than spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a great storyteller with a calm demeanor, infectious laugh and winning smile that captured the hearts of anyone fortunate enough to meet him.

Lane is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gayle Monk; his two daughters, Kristen (Dyer Norrington) Monk and Laura (Nauman) Thomas, along with his grandchildren, Inez, Nauman, and Cecile Thomas; his sisters Cindy (Robert) Munisteri and Connie (Bobby) Osborne. He is preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy ‘Grace’ Meriwether King, his father, USAF Ret. E8 Robert Clay ‘Bobby’ Monk, and his sister Sharron Pappas Adreon, as well as many loved family members. 

Lane will be forever missed and will remain warmly in our hearts. May his soul shine bright in the Heavens, where he is at peace, protected now and always. 

The family also wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to MD Anderson Cancer Center, as well as Southern Cancer Center and Springhill Hospice for their exceptional care and consideration.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Fairhope, Alabama with Interment to immediately follow. 370 South Section Street, Fairhope, AL. 36532

Celebration of Life following the memorial mass at The Hope Farm, light snacks and drinks to be served in the Hall from 2:00 - 5:00 PM. 915 Nichols Ave., Fairhope, AL 36532

In lieu of flowers, in Lane’s honor and his hard fought battle with the illness, please kindly make contributions in his name to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or MDAnderson.org/Gifts.