Lana Tout is a treasured volunteer member of EDGETA Branch
54 and would be a stellar representative in EDGE&TA’s National Hall of
Fame.
Lana and her late husband Eddie Tout (2012 EDGETA Hall of
Fame Inductee) have been active in Branch 54 since it was established in 1994.
Both “found their people” in the club and it is where many lifelong friendships
began. It’s true that the men of Branch 54 were more likely to hug a tractor
than another human, and it is also true that each of them looked forward to a
kind greeting from Lana; something ALL members could count on as a
spirit-lifter. Together, Eddie and Lana found it easy to participate in
club activities and represent EDGE&TA by taking on leadership roles,
hosting meetings, welcoming new members, creating old iron displays at the
County Fair, driving their restored tractors in parades, baking cookies, making
signs, and so much more.
The extent and diversity of Eddie’s gas engine, tractor, and
old-iron collection was (and still is) impressive – every item has meaning, has
a story, and has intention on why it was acquired. After Eddie’s passing in late 2012, it was the
club members who gathered around Lana to soften her loss. With delicacy and
respect, it was those tractor-hugging men who showed up with their hearts on
their sleeves when she needed help inventorying and valuing many of the items
in the shop. She often hosts a coffee
hour at her home for those members (dear friends), and bakes cookies for them,
too.
Lana continues to volunteer for all the right reasons. She cares about the people who gather to
celebrate the uniqueness of antique power. She isn’t there to just to
keep busy during retirement, nor to bombast about the beautifully restored
engines and tractors still gleaming in the shop. With her natural humility,
Lana remains interested in her fellow club members to learn about their
interests, their Old Iron projects, to hear them speak proudly of their
families, and to listen for hints of challenges they may be facing.
Lana’s compassion and empathy for others are the driving
force behind her “Sunshine Lady” responsibilities at Branch 54. She has been
writing thoughtful and caring notes for many years to those who are
under the weather, recovering from a medical procedure, and even tackling the
most difficult of messages to families of a deceased member.
Lana’s kindness to others goes beyond this antique power
club. For over 20 years she has been
making and awarding Quilts of Valor to Service Members and Veterans, honoring
and thanking them for their sacrifices by wrapping them in a handmade quilt.
She has been a Cub Scout Den Mother, a 4-H club leader, a first aid/CPR
instructor, the go-to team leader during a 30-year career at the phone company,
a revered mom of two (now grown) kids and, true to form, a superstar grandma.
With a smile that comes easy, a huge heart that remarkably
fits in her little 5’ frame, and a contagious giggle, Lana is the cheerleader
we all appreciate.