Albert Charles Lane

Albert Charles Lane, 98, passed away Tuesday, June 27, at The Maples at Waterford Crossing.

He was born April 12, 1925 in Rochester, New York, to Albert and Clara (Gentz) Lane.

On June 21, 1943, his high school commencement day, Al was inducted into the Army.  He entered Normandy on the Omaha Beach as part of the 29th Division and participated in the D-Day Invasion on June 6, 1944.  He served in the Army until December 1945.

Eventually, Al took on the challenge of securing gas station locations for Burger Dairy convenience stores based in Goshen.  Ultimately Al owned 22 stores in northcentral Indiana.

Al launched Goshen’s Celebrate America as a local effort to honor veterans – an event that was part of the Goshen’s 4th of July celebrations for nearly 20 years.  Additionally, he devoted himself to serving his church and supporting church funded projects like Bashor Children’s Home.

Because of his service, Al has been recognized by Indiana governors for his dedication to his community.  Governor Mitch Daniels presented him with the 2009 Citizen of the Year Award and Governor Mike Pence further honored him with the 2015 Sagamore of the Wabash Award.

On August 21, 1948 he married Marion Brunea in Rochester, New York.  She died December 30, 2002.  He later married Dorothy Rock on July 29, 2006 and she died July 11, 2019.

Al is survived by two sons, Albert John (Gayle) Lane of New Paris and Steven Charles Lane of Warsaw and a grandson, Steven Albert John Lane of Warsaw.

Along with his parents and two wives, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth B. Neva.

A private graveside service will be held at Violett Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Al’s memory may be given to New Paris Boy Scouts of America Troop 12.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting with services.