Bernard Lane was the last surviving child born to the union of the late Willie and Lucille Giles Laine. He was born June 29, 1925, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Lillian Hunter Roan, Otis Ruth Lane, and Rosie Lane; five brothers, Elmo and Lloyd Hunter, Willie, Worder, and Doyle Lane; sister-in-law Juanita Johnson Stemley. After the death of his parents,  he was raised by his oldest sister and her husband.

Bernard was educated in the New Orleans Public School System. At sixteen he  graduated from John McDonogh #35 Senior High School. Following high school he enlisted in the United States Navy, and after a short tour of duty, he was honorably discharged. After leaving the Navy, he enrolled at Lincoln University where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree. He continued his studies at Louisiana State University where he was one of the first African Americans to be awarded a Master's Degree. He later earned an Educational Specialist from Arizona State University.

He began his professional career as a high school classroom teacher at Washington High School. While at Washington he founded the Lane Chapter of the National Honor society, co-chaired the Student Council, and wrote the school Alma Mater. Later, Mr. Lane became Principal of Vinton Negro High School, renamed Vinton Northside Junior High School ,becoming the first  Black Administrator of a predominately white junior high school. He also wrote its alma mater. Mr. Lane retired from Calcasieu Parish School  System as Supervisor of Adult Education on June 30, 1986.

Bernard and his wife of fifty-eight years, Frankie Mae Johnson Lane remained inseparable to his death.

One of his favorite quotes was  "Strive to do your very best and then some." This he passed on to his three sons-Bernard, Donald, and Alric.

He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church where he served  as a member of the parish council, usher, school board, and  an array of other committees.

Bernard was a distinguished educator and community minded individual. He was affiliated with  numerous organizations and received many and awards for his contributions to education and the community.  He was a charter member of Calcasieu Parish Principals Council-County, National Association of Elementary Principals, Calcasieu Education Association, Louisiana Education Association and National Education Association.

He was a charter member, past Polemarch, Chapter Historian, and a 50 plus year life member of the Lake Charles Alumni Chapter of  Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.  In addition, he was a member of the 3 ^rd Degree Knights of St. Peter Claver Council #31, Father Hannigan 4 ^th Degree Knights Assembly 6, Mayfield, Taylor, McClain American Legion Post 551, and a board member of the Foreman-Reynaud YMCA.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Frankie Lane of fifty-eight years; sons Bernard Lane of Vallejo, California; Donald (Evelyn) Lane of San Antonio, Texas; and Alric Lane of Cedar Hill, Texas; two grandchildren Erika V. Lane of Vallejo, California ,and Jordan Ryan Lane of Irving, Texas ; great-granddaughter Ryanne J. Murphy; step-grandchildren Anthony, Rachael, Joseph, Kadence and Joshua; a host of nieces and nephews, and sisters-in-law, Kathleen Johnson Mosby and Francis White Laine and former daughter-in-law Deborah Carter-Lane.