Mourning Deanne Lane
The End of an Era for St. Louis Journalism
The St. Louis community is enveloped in a profound sense of loss today as we bid farewell to one of the most trusted and recognizable faces in our city’s history. Veteran journalist and beloved media figure Deanne Lane has passed away at the age of 65, marking the true end of an era for local broadcasting. For nearly three decades, Deanne was more than just an anchor on KSDK Channel 5; she was a steady presence in our living rooms, a voice of calm during crises, and a relentless seeker of truth. Her death on Friday, January 30, has left colleagues, viewers, and friends heartbroken, closing the final chapter on a career that shaped the way St. Louis saw itself.
Deanne’s legacy is built on a foundation of “truth, compassion, and integrity.” From her early days as the tenacious “Night Beat” reporter to her tenure at the anchor desk, she covered the stories that defined a generation—from the “Missouri Miracle” and the Great Flood of ’93 to the tragic Kirkwood City Hall shooting. She didn’t just report on the community; she immersed herself in it, famously living on the streets for five days to shed light on the plight of the homeless. She possessed a rare combination of grit and grace, earning the trust of viewers who knew that if Deanne Lane was telling the story, it was being told right. The “beloved figure” described by those who knew her was a trailblazer who mentored countless young journalists and set a standard of excellence that remains the benchmark today.
Honoring a Life of Service and Storytelling
Beyond the teleprompters and the awards lies the loss of a woman who deeply loved her family and her city. Deanne is survived by her husband, Chris Pappas, and her son, Griffin Goodrich, who now face a world without their matriarch. The outpouring of love from the St. Louis media community serves as a testament to her character; she was a colleague who cheered for others and a friend who offered support behind the scenes. We mourn not only the journalist but the person—the mother, the wife, and the neighbor who gave so much of herself to this region.
As we reflect on her remarkable 27-year career, we are reminded of the power of local journalism to connect us. Deanne Lane’s voice may be silenced, but her impact will echo for years to come. We stand with her family in this difficult time, offering our deepest condolences and our gratitude for sharing her with us for so long.