David L. Lane

All who knew David Lee Lane would agree that there was no one quite like him. His devotion to his family, his friends, and his community was truly unmatched throughout his entire lifetime. David was known for his strong work ethic and his willingness to give everything his all. He was a prankster with an infectious personality, which made him the heartbeat of wherever he went. A more devoted father would be hard to find, and he was filled with unspeakable joy to witness his family tree blossom to include the grandchildren he treasured. David will be deeply missed, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as World War II raged on. Countless young servicemen and women were serving while those who remained stateside became all too familiar with on rationing common goods. It was just prior to the war’s end in 1945 that Paul and Zelda Lane were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as January dawned that same year. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named David Lee Lane drew his first breath on the 22nd. Born in Fort Wayne Indiana, he was one of four children in his family as he was raised alongside his siblings, Richard, James, and Carolyn. David's father worked as a farmer who also established Lane Homes. This meant that David, along with his siblings, learned how to farm and build homes alongside their father.

In many ways David was a young boy of his generation. He attended Tamarack School, which was a one-room schoolhouse in rural Butler. David then went on to Butler High School where he became class president. His years in school were always very important to him, and for the rest of his life he continued to attend his class reunions. David always had a saying while participating in sports or just living life, and that was, “Tamarack rules.”

New and exciting changes were in store for David when he became a father to his three amazing children, Bryan, Wendy, and Amy. He was a fun-loving father who always made life an adventure. Any of their vacations were always spur of the moment trips when they packed up the car and headed out for a week or two. David and his children did go to Florida a couple of times, but their most memorable trips were the ones that they all took out to Colorado, which was David's favorite place to be. He was all about building a legacy on what matters, and that meant family relationships in David’s book. He built a beautiful barn with all the conveniences like televisions, a dishwasher, and other necessities so that the entire family could stay together during holidays. David planted wild flowers around the barn every year so everyone could enjoy them. He liked tinkering on his John Deere tractor and spending time attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. David loved throwing an annual Halloween party and taking everyone for hayrides.

Throughout his life David was known for his strong work ethic and his passion to serve others. He established Lane Development in Butler, and with a deep devotion to his community he enjoyed using his building and contracting talents in a variety of ways. David built the baseball and softball fields in Butler, for instance. He was also active in his community as a mason and a shriner.

David’s involvement in his community spanned several decades. He was a longtime member of Saint Johns United Church of Christ in Ashely. David was a member of Forest Lodge #239 and became a Master Mason on April 21, 1966. In 2016 he reached another milestone when he became a 50 year member. David held the office of Secretary of the Lodge for the past 10 years and organized countless Masonic charity events and parade promotional events. He joined the Mizpah Shrine in May of 1967 and became a 50 year member in May of this year. He was a past president of the Flying Shriners and was a member of the Shrine Class Directors. David was a 32˚ Scottish Rite, joining in April of 1967 and receiving his 50 year award in April this year. He joined the York Rite Chapter, Council and Commandery on April 28th, 1973, and was a 44 year member. David took care of so many things to serve throughout these organizations that he will be truly irreplaceable. He also loved donating to the local DeKalb Humane Society or to any other person who was in need. In addition, David was an avid outdoorsman and hunter as well as a pistol packing gun supporter.

When reflecting on the life of David Lane, it is easy to see that the impact he made in the lives of those around him was far-reaching. A lifelong resident of the community he loved he was someone everyone seemed to know. David had an infectious personality, and in addition to being a bit of a pistol he was generous beyond compare. A friend of David’s was a friend for life, and he was the most loyal friend one could find. A loving family man, he treasured the moments spent with his loved ones most. He will never be forgotten.

David L. Lane, of Butler, died Wednesday November 8, 2017 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. David’s family includes his son and daughter-in-law, Bryan (Kendra) Lane of Powell, OH; daughters and sons-in-law, Wendy (Kris) Lane-Ginder of Butler, and Amy (Jeff) Lane Burton of Fort Wayne; companion, Arlien Mertz of Butler; brother, James (Ann) Lane of Texas ; sister, Carolyn Cox of Minnesota; grandchildren, Layton (Kristen) Ginder, Drew Lane, Adam Lane, Reed Burton, Ryan Burton and Reese Burton. He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Lane. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday with visitation from 12:30-2:00 p.m. at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. Rev. Kim Nusbaum will be officiating. Visitation will also be held on Saturday from 4-6:30 p.m. at the funeral home with a Masonic service at 6:30 p.m. Burial in Fairfield Cemetery, Corunna. Memorial donations may be made to DeKalb Humane Society or Indiana Masonic Home Foundation. To sign the online guest book, visit www.piningtonfh.com.