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May 30th, 1930 - Feb 27th, 2023Private interment will take place in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora.
Leon Lane, age 92, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Monday, February 27, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.
Leon was born in Flora on May 30, 1930, to Ralph and Wreatha (Burgess) Lane. Leon was married to Kaleta (Sue) Smith for 53 years and had three children, Mark, Brian, and Lisa. Leon was later married to Evelyn Neoma Prater, recently celebrating their 13th anniversary.
Leon enlisted in the US Marine Corps in January 1951, bravely serving three years of active duty in Korea. Leon received the Korean Service Medal, the US Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Leon proudly served on the Flora Police Force early in his career prior to co-owning/operating Lane and Misenhimer Mobil Service Station. Leon served as Circuit Clerk of Clay County from 1968-1992. Leon dutifully served on the Flora Volunteer Fire Department for 34 years. Leon refereed countless high school basketball games and was an avid supporter of girls’ sports and will be forever remembered for his enthusiastic coaching from the stands. He played the role of Santa for Operation Christmas Cheer with his wife Kaleta for many years, bringing smiles to countless children in Clay and surrounding counties. Leon was an active member of the Wabash Outing Club for decades.
Leon enjoyed spending time on his 70-acre farm where he planted hundreds of trees and was a steward of the land. He loved to hunt wild game and mushrooms, was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels, especially excited to see his favorite white squirrel, affectionately called Whitey Herzog. Leon was a skilled golfer, especially when it came to putting, even after being declared legally blind.
Leon was a loyal husband, father, and friend and a master storyteller, weaving his stories with such animation and humor, bringing smiles and laughter to all who knew him. He was a generous man, giving of his time, his gifts, and his love. Leon was a master griller and was famous for his barbeque ribs, far and wide.
Leon is survived by his wife, Evelyn; children, Brian Lane (wife Erin) and Lisa Lane (partner Sandy); stepchildren, Robin Eddinger (husband Mike) and Kim Chaney (husband Jay); grandchildren, Brooks Lane and Morgan Eickhoff (husband Jerad), Tristan Huffman, Katie Williams, Emily Stortzum (husband Steve), Hannah Chaney, Ryan Chaney, Justin and Kristina Eddinger, Samantha and Omar Ramos, Matthew Eddinger and Jaime Eddinger; great-grandchildren, Dallas Eickhoff, Molly Stortzum, Cameron Stortzum, Avory, Olivia, and Easton Eddinger, Jomalis, Jolimar, and Joshua Ramos, and Madison and Connor Houts; sister-in-law, Jean Lane; step brother-in-law, Ronnie Smith; and nieces and nephews, Gary and Brenda Wells, Darla and Chris Black, Janet and Bob Johns, Barbara and Bryon Boyle, Bill and Paola Lane; and daughter of the heart, Louise Beccue.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Kaleta; his parents; brother, Archie; sister, Laveta; nephew, Danny Wells; and son, Mark; and daughter-in-law, Ann.
Private interment will take place in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora. Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Family would like to thank Clay County Hospice for their care and support. Leon and family request that donations be made to Clay County Hospice and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
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What a wonderful guy-everyone who knew him loved him! His smile and laughter were contagious . Always had a story to share! We are thinking of you Lisa and Brian with our love snd prayers!
So sorry to hear of Leon passing. What a fun, interesting man he was! God’s blessings on all his family. Flora has lost a good man!
So sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with the family and friend's. Leon was a great man.
We are so sorry to hear of Leon's passing. He was a beloved golfer and retired fireman. He will be missed by many. Your family are all in our thoughts and prayers. ❤️
My thoughts and prayers are certainly with the family at this time. Leon was a special friend to our family. Always loved hearing his good stories. He will be missed.
With deepest sympathy. Our hearts thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rick and I are so sorry Brian and Lisa for the loss of your dad. He served Clay County well. He was a legend in many times.
I am saddened to hear of Leon’s passing. He was such a nice man. Praying for Brian, Lisa and family. May God comfort you at this time.
So sorry for your loss. He was a true gentleman
Rest in Peace Leon 🕊️ Our sincere condolences Lisa and Brian.
In the early 70’s, my high school years, Leon taught me the game of golf. But not so much the swing but the courtesies, like not walking in front of a guys ball on the green. I can still here him telling me to shut up when a guys swinging. My deepest condolences to Brian and Lisa. Your dad was a fine man and loved by all that knew him. God bless you and he.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your father. What a wonderful man. I smile at all the memories I have of Leon..always made me feel special when he spoke to me. Blessings to you all.
Sorry for the families loss.
Heaven has been blessed with many laughs and lots of stories
I have so many fond memories of Leon. I loved his stories and wonderful personality. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Leon was one of a kind, he will be missed by anyone who ever crossed his path. He was a great friend, my deepest sympathies to the family. He will live forever in my memories. RIP Leon
Our sympathy to Leon’s family, He was certainly a pillar to the community, and will be missed.
Brian and Lisa, sending my deepest sympathies. Your father lived such a full and active life. His smile and warmth were epic. Leon certainly brightened many lives. Thinking of you both.
My condolences to the family. R.I.P. Leon. I worked with Leon for several years. He was a kind man.
Lisa and Sandy, Praying for you during this difficult time. Love you both! Queenie
Mr. Mayor, (private joke) you will be missed.
Lisa and Brian, thinking of you and sending my sincere condolences. I have such good memories of your dad.
So sorry to learn of your father’s passing. May you find comfort and peace after this great loss!
So many fond memories of growing up around Leon and Sue. Never a dull moment! Love and prayers Brian and Lisa.
My deepest sympathy for all of you. Our families go way back, and I have so many fond memories!
A great man. Always had a smile for you.
I (Rosemary) grew up living across the street from the Lane Mobile Service Station, so I have many fond memories of Leon. He was like the big brother I never had. I will cherish those memories and send loving condolences to his family. May you RIP Leon!
What a big laugh and bigger heart. I will never forget the wonderful gift of getting to spend time with him on one of his NC visits to Lisa and Sandy. And the joy and love he shared with his grilling. I am so sorry for your loss and so happy you all had such a wonderful person in your lives. Much love to my dear friends and the entire family and community touched by Leon.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Lisa so sorry for your loss. Love and prayers for you and your family.
We are sorry to learn about Leon. His ready laugh and joy of life were such a pleasure. Our prayers and sympathy for Brian, Lisa and their families.
I am so sorry Lisa and Brian. He was one of a kind. We shared a lot of fun and laughs together when we were young. His Mom and I took him back part of the way to Paris Island when he was there. I gave him some picture he had sent from there, when I was home last. We didn't keep in touch. I will say a pray for him and all of you.
So very sorry to hear of Leon’s passing. He and my dad were good friends so I’ve known him for several years. We also appreciated all the help he and Evelyn provided at the Kids Fishing Derby. RIP Leon.
I worked for the State’s Attorney in the late 80s and early 90s and had daily contact with the Circuit Clerk’s office were I met Leon. He always had a smile, a laugh and a story! He was such fun to to work with during those years. If you knew him, you’d never forget him. Bud knew him from the station and the golf course. Fun times there. Brian and Lisa - your dad was so proud of you and spoke of you often. Our condolences to you both. RIP Leon💕
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We have known Leon for many years and he was a wonderful guy. He will be missed.
Leon was a kind and generous steward who dedicated his life for the betterment of others and for the nature around him!
Thinking of the family and friends of Mr. Lane in this time. I only know him through his wonderful daughter Lisa — who with her big heart and devotion to service is a testament to Mr. Lane’s light in the world. May all who love him be blessed by his memory.
So sorry to hear of Leon’s passing. Such a wonderful, funny and compassionate man. Prayers of comfort to his wife, Brian, Lisa and their families.
Brian and Lisa, very sorry for loss of your wonderful Father. I feel for you and all your family. He was an amazing man to all who were blessed to meet him. May he rest in eternal peace.
Sharla and I are sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of knowing Leon for many years He and Cliff officiated many basketball games when I was in high school and I had the privilege of working with him while he was Clay County Circuit Clerk both as a lawyer and as States Attorney. He was always fun to be around both at work and out of the Office. Sharla knew him as a great volley ball fan and the father of Lisa and Brian her School mates. He was and will be well remembered by many in our County.
I love y'all and am terribly sad about granpa love broduy
So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lisa and Brian, please know that I'm thinking of you and remembering your dad. Especially from my 3rd birthday party guest list, (Bud and Leon!), and so many, many times since. He'll always be in our hearts and memories! ❤️
So many memories of fun times with Leon. So sorry to hear of his passing. Praying for comfort for his family.
Lisa, Brian, and Family. So sorry to hear of Leon passing. He had to have been one of the most known persons in Flora. He gave a lot of time to others, was so active in a lot of things, and was a blast to hang out with. He will be missed. God Bless you all !!!
I was blessed to have Leon and his family in my life growing up. I have so many great memories of Leon. Both in the court house and out. One being his hugs. Hugs to Brian and Lisa. He will be missed.
We are sorry to hear of Leon's passing. He was a wonderful person. Our condolences to his family.
Leon was a great man. He will be missed by many.
My condolences to Lisa and Brian and all his family and friends. He was larger than life! As a kid, when I would come over to visit with Lisa, I just remembered he was so tall! He was such a nice man and so friendly. Everyone loved him! He will be missed by so many. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear about Leon. He was a wonderful man, so nice and loved by many.
Leon was a wonderful family friend. He always had a ready smile and warm, exuberant greeting. I especially loved visiting him at his farm, and I really enjoyed those delicious barbecue ribs! He was a big joy in the world and will be sorely missed.
So sorry for your loss Evelyn! He was such a good man
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
