John "Johnnie" William Lane

John “Johnnie” William Lane of Philippi, WV, passed away on Friday, October 01, 2021, at the age 85.  His long battle with health issues while still facing each day with a smile, and advice for those of us willing to take it, showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with a faith in his savior Jesus Christ the rest of us long to obtain.

John was the third child, and second son, of the late Otha and Ocie (Hardway) Lane. Growing up in rural West Virginia, John worked on his parent’s small farm and attended a one-room school in Calhoun County where, at a young age, he learned the value of hard work through his first job building the morning fire in the school’s wood stove.

His work ethic and drive to improve himself and his family led to early work as a coal mine battery-boy and mule tender, and later to jobs in Ohio and Illinois driving milk trucks and operating mills in the rubber industry.  It was on his way back to West Virginia from a long week of work in Illinois that John’s life changed forever, as the car he was traveling in was struck head-on leaving him mostly paralyzed and hospitalized for several months afterwards.

His drive wouldn’t let him quit.  As he recovered, John went on to further his education in electronics repair and even had his own business in Clarksburg, WV.  John never forgot his family or refused an offer to help where he could.  That included cross-country drives towing a U-Haul for his younger brother, bronco rides out West, riverbank fishing in Morgantown, playing cards and dominoes, and ensuring his newest brothers-in-law felt “welcome” in the family.  In every situation John was there, his smile was there, and he’ll always be loved for it.

He met Elizabeth Sue Pigott of Laurel Run, WV and they married in 1969.  Their son, James and wife Leslie, and daughter Tracy Hicks and husband Mike, have their own families now, and are passing along to their children Amber, Ashley, Acacia, Aleah, and Loryn and Dean, the courage, faith in Jesus, and determination their father instilled in them.

Those left to cherish John’s memories include sisters; Freda and husband Ray Hawkins of Morgantown, WV and Linda Robinson of Lumberport, WV.  His brothers Jimmie and wife Sandy Lane of Shinnston, WV and Bobbie and wife Jean Lane of Parkersburg, WV.  As well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brothers; Glen, Dennis, and Danny Lane and sisters; Susie Katherine Miller and Judith Lane. 

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 from 11am –1pm.  Service will follow with Pastor Chad Hutson officiating, at Dorsey Funeral Home, 701 S. Pike St., Shinnston, WV.  Interment will be at Lumberport Lions Club Cemetery, Lumberport, WV. 

Dorsey Funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements for the Lane family.

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