Albert J. Lane

0
3126

On Monday morning, November 18, 2019, Al Lane, (97), peacefully passed at his home in Greenwood, Florida. He is now reunited with his wife of 63 years, Delores Irene Veihl, who preceded him in going to the Lord’s arms. He is survived by: One son Albert C. and Ellen Featherstone of Lewiston, MI. One daughter Cathy and Rick Grewe of Tower, MI. Granddaughter, Ericka Grewe and Dan Gilbert of Golden CO. Grandson Ricky Grewe of Lakewood, CO.
The third born of Louis T. and Carrie Jewett Lane, Al Lane was born on his family’s farm in Ingham County, Michigan on August 31, 1922. A child of the Great Depression he was to learn the values of hard work and sacrifice.
From an early age he had an affinity for airplanes. One of his first jobs, at age 18, was working in a factory near Melville, Michigan that made bombers. Al enrolled in Michigan State College in 1942. After two years of college, With the war raging, Al enlisted in Officers Training School, became an officer in the Army Air Corps., and then entered flight training. He eventually became a Commander of a B-17 Bomber crew, and entered the war in Europe. He flew 25 missions over Germany, at times flying two missions in one day. His B-17 was badly crippled on one mission, and barely limped back to a safe belly landing. They were escorted and saved by the Tuskegee Flyers when they plunged out of formation to reach a lower altitude.
After the war, Al Lane became an executive within the General Motors Company in Michigan. He finally retired and in 1980, he and his wife, Delores, moved to Florida. In 2006, Al moved to Jackson County, Florida, buying a home in Greenwood.
Al was active in the local VFW, and was the Grand Marshall in several Veteran Day and Memorial Day Parades. Al Lane was a wonderful, compassionate, and intelligent man who was liked and respected by all who knew him. He exemplified why his generation has been called “The Greatest Generation”. With his passing, our nation has lost a hero and patriot.
He will be missed by many…
A “Celebration of Life” service will be held at the Greenwood Baptist Church at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 23rd. Memory donations can be made in his name to: VFW Post # 12046, PO Box 209 Marianna FL 32447

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here