Frank & Bright Funeral Home

Leon Lane

May 30th, 1930 - Feb 27th, 2023

     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