Pastor John R. Lane
Pastor John R. Lane passed away at home on Nov. 28, 2020, surrounded by family. He was born on July 21, 1935, in Jefferson City, Tenn., to Rev. and Mrs. Fred M. Lane. He and his twin, Tandy, joined an older brother, Fred A. Lane at home. The family moved to Saint Petersburg, Fla., when John was three years old and he grew up there until collage age.
While in college at Carson-Newman College, John met and married Helen Chumley Lane in 1955. To this union was born three girls and two boys; Theresa Spildie (Alexander), Susan Hilbers, (Arnegard) Sharon Lane, (Arnegard) John Hugh Lane (deceased 1994) and James David Lane (Harriman, Tenn.) He and Helen were blessed with 12 grandchildren - two live in Arnegard. They are Maggie Hilbers and Nancy Martinez. Being blessed with old age, 20 great-grandchildren finished filling his quiver.
John had rheumatic fever from age six to 12 which left him with a damaged heart. He survived numerous heart attacks, multiple surgeries and many bouts with pneumonia before his kidneys failed. After a few months on dialysis, he qualified - at age 75 - for a kidney transplant. Daughter, Susan, donated a kidney and the transplant occurred in October, 2011. In December, 2016, he underwent an aortic valve replacement. He spent the month of December, 2019, in Mayo Clinic with copious viruses because of his compromised immune system. He recovered minimally until November, 2020, when Hospice was called in by his doctor. One week later, he went to live with Jesus in heaven. His last prayer was, “Lord, I am ready. Please take me home.”
John was saved at age nine and felt God’s call into the ministry at age 16 and was licensed to preach by his father’s church in St. Petersburg, Fla. At age 21, John was ordained by his first pastorate at the Ozona Baptist Church in Ozona, Fla.
John pastored, while in school, the Riverdale Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tenn. John’s missionary heart took him to Florida, Montana, Wyoming, Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mexico and then to North Dakota. John served the First Baptist Church of Watford City from 1999 until 2002 when he, once again, retired. After serving two years in Ormond-by-the-Sea, Florida, he served two years in Dubuque, Iowa, before returning to First Baptist Church of Watford City. When called back to FBCWC, he promised to stay until “death do us part.” He formally retired once again in July, 2018; however, he preached his last time at FBCWC on Nov. 8, 2020. Twenty days later, he went to live for eternity in the presence of Jesus Christ, the Son, and God, the Father.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother; and his son. He was buried in the Wilmington Cemetery, Arnegard, N.D., on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, with only a graveside service led by his family.