OBITUARIES: Jack Lane
Jack Lane, 76, passed from his earthly body on April 15, 2015, at his home in Harrisburg, surrounded by his loving family.
Jack was born in Harrisburg on Nov. 20, 1938, the son of Fred and Ethna F. (Alexander) Lane. He grew up in Harrisburg and East Peoria, and joined the U.S. Navy when he was 17. After boot camp at Great Lakes, Jack was stationed in the Marshall Islands, Alaska, the Philippines and Guam.
Jack married Sharon Lindsey at the First Church of God of East Peoria on Nov. 27, 1960. Jack and Sharon raised their family in Sandwich, where Jack was active in the Sports Boosters and AFS. They hosted two foreign exchange students. One especially became so close that to this day, some 30 years later he remains a loyal son and friend. Jack worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company in East Peoria and Aurora from 1960 through 1995. During this time he wore many hats, starting as a floor sweeper and working through many management positions. He worked with some of the best, and also earned his bachelor's degree from Aurora University while he was working at Cat.
Jack enjoyed working on small engines, and seemed to have an abundance of Weedeaters and chain saws around at all times. He took great pleasure in maintaining his home and property and especially loved finding creative ways to fix things. He was always available for friends, family and neighbors when they needed help. Friends had a big influence in Jack's life; some remained friends, and some became like family - those were the best. Jack and Sharon attended the First Church of God in Harrisburg.
Jack is survived by his widow, Sharon Lane; his son, Phillip (Kathy) Lane of Plano; his daughter, Pamela (Aaron) Laatz of Oswego; and grandchildren, Kelsey and Ashton Laatz of Oswego; stepgranddaughter, Shelby Miller; and great-stepgranddaughter, Malayah Corral of Sandwich; "adopted" son Edison (Selene) dos Santos; and grandson, Pedro Santos of Brazil. He is also survived by his sisters, Sue (Robert) Coltrin and Martha Baptista; and brother, Robert (Chali) Lane, all of Harrisburg; sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Kerr of Macomb and Melinda Fagan of O'Fallon, Mo., and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters; and brothers-in-law, Betty and Claud Ozment, Mary and Henry Behrends, Kathryn and Kenneth Swearingen, Helen and Herb Shaw, Raymond Baptista and Kenneth Fagan.
Visitation will be held at Reed Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2015, with funeral services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2015. The Rev. Dan Masters of Harrisburg First Church of God will officiate. Military rites will be accorded following the service and burial of ashes will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Church of God, 1520 W. McHaney Road, Harrisburg, Ill. 62946.