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Ronald E. Lane, 85, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023, on his beloved farm at 1366 Hoover Pike, Nicholasville, Kentucky. He was born in Jessamine County on February 17, 1938 to the late Haydon and Frances Lane. He was the widower of Wanda Davis Lane since 2001. She was the love of his life. He was also preceded in death by a good friend, Herbert Warren. He is survived by his daughter, Candy Lane, and two grandsons, Haydon Lane Thacker and Dirk Burgess Thacker II.
At the age of 16, Ronnie built his first house with a crew, and the house is still occupied today. He was a graduate of Jessamine County High School, Class of 1956, where he was a running back on the football team and participated in track and baseball. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and became a Mess Sargeant while stationed at Fort Lorraine in Fort Smith, Arkansas. After his discharge, he and his father built Lane’s Drive-in Restaurant in 1958, which was a very popular gathering place for all ages. In 1970, they built Lane’s Rest Home, a state-of-the-art Nursing Home for its time. He purchased his beloved farm in 1974, where he grew tobacco, corn and hay, and also raised hogs. In addition to building and farming, he also had a passion for restoring cars in his body shop.
His favorite project was “My Old Kentucky Dinner Train and Depot” in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Ronnie procured all the train cars and refitted them into dining cars, kitchens, and bars.
The depot was restored to its original glory and completed in 1989. The train is still in operation today. He retired from RJ Corman Railroad Group as head contractor after 17 years of service. Ronnie was a man with whom you always knew where you stood. His favorite quote was “If you have time or money, you can do anything.” He will be truly be missed by all who knew him.
A Funeral Remembrance Service will be 11:00 AM Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Hager & Cundiff Funeral Home, following which he will be laid to rest beside his wife in Maple Grove Cemetery with Military Honors. Honoring him as pallbearers will be Charles David Collins, Eddie Kegley, Allen Collins, Mike Hammond, Haydon Lane Thacker, and Burgess Thacker. Honorary bearers will be Johnny Davis and Paul Higgins. Ronnie’s family will greet friends beginning at 4:00 PM and ending at 7:00 PM Friday, October 20, 2023 at the funeral home. Hager & Cundiff Funeral Home values nothing more than the loyalty and trust given to us to care for the Lane Family. This obituary was lovingly submitted by his daughter. Sign Guestbook: www.hagerandcundifffunerals.com.