John W. Lane

John W. Lane, age 91, died on Tuesday, November 7, 2017. He was born on February 6, 1926, in Newark, Arkansas, to Henry Reuben Lane and Maudie Henderson Lane. He moved to Little Rock at an early age. He graduated from Central High School May 1944 and was immediately drafted into the US Navy, serving with the Seabees. John joined IBM's service team in March 1952, where he served as an instructor for the Executive and Selective typewriters. He retired from IBM in 1987 after 35 years of service, and attained the position of territory supervisor in the Joplin, Missouri office. John loved his church family at South Highland Baptist Church in Little Rock and was faithful to attend as long as his health permitted. At one time he served as a church treasurer. John was a multi-talented man who raised a beautiful garden, loved to fish, make miniature airplanes from coke cans and travel in his motorhome. He traveled the United States, the Holy Land and Canada for several years. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Reba O'Kelley Lane, two brothers, Jack and Roy Lane, two sisters, Juanita Bittle and Lola Gray, and step-son, Robert Dale Santifer Jr. He is survived by his wife Shirley of 26 years, daughter Allene Lane (Dave) of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, son, Mark Lane (Lisa) of Rural Hall, North Carolina, sister, Katy Reynolds of Little Rock, step-son, Darrell Santifer of Taylor, Texas, and several nieces and nephews. John was also known as "Papa John" to his five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren that he loved dearly. He also leaves behind his closest companion, a blue eyed Siamese cat named "Lucky". She looks for him every day. Visitation will be Saturday, November 11, at 1 p.m. at Pinecrest Funeral Home, 7401 Hwy. 5 North in Alexander. Graveside services will follow at 2 p.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park. An online guestbook is available at www.pinecrestmemorialpark.com.