William J. "Bill" Lane

William J. “Bill” Lane, Jr., age 78 of Knoxville, Illinois, died on Friday, November 23, 2018 at 10:35 A.M. at Cottage Hospital in Galesburg, Illinois. He was born on May 31, 1940 in Galesburg, Illinois, the son of William J. and Ivy M. (Bechtel) Lane, Sr. He married Barbara L. Sherman on February 15, 1964 at the United Methodist Church in Victoria, Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Barb Lane of Knoxville, Illinois; one son, Steven Lane of Victoria, Illinois; one daughter, Susan Smith of Victoria, Illinois; seven grandsons: Ian (and Christina) Smith, Matthew (and Jessica) Smith, Tyler Smith, Daniel Smith, Dean Lane, Sylas Lane, and John Lane; and one great-granddaughter, Bridgette Witherell. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Mildred and Dorothy; and one daughter-in-law, Linda. He served in the United States Army National Guard. As a Purchasing Agent in wholesale plumbing and heating, he first worked for the May Company in Galesburg, Illinois, and then Wilkins Pipe & Supply Company, which became Thrall Company in Peoria, Illinois. He later worked and retired from Connor Company in Galesburg, Illinois. He was a member of the Oaks Community Church and Little John Conservation Club. He loved fishing, boating, and vacationing in Florida. He enjoyed spending time with his grandsons and family. Cremation rites will be accorded. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. with a Memorial Service at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at the Oaks Community Church at 1868 Congregation Road, Dahinda, Illinois. Rev. Marty Briney will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oaks Community Church. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home & Crematory in Knoxville is in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences and expressions of sympathy may be made through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William J. "Bill" Lane please visit our Sympathy Store.