Claude Irvin Lane

Claude Irvin Lane, 87, of Rural Retreat, VA, (formerly of Welch, WV) is now resting in the arms of Jesus. He peacefully passed away on Sunday, September 10, 2023. Born on October 16, 1935, Claude was the son of the late James and Minnie Copeland Lane, of Belcher Mountain, near Welch, WV. Claude served our nation at the end of the Korean War in the United States Army, and he was a member of the West Virginia American Legion. He was a retired bus driver for McDowell County Public Schools. Claude had a natural talent and appreciation of music. Despite these earthly talents, his greatest accomplishment was surrendering his life to Jesus on October 14, 2012. Reading his Bible, talking about his Lord, and playing hymns gave him great pleasure in his later years. His home church was Macedonia Baptist Church, but as his health declined, he listened to and watched many church ministries. Claude Lane is survived by his wife of 66 years, Janice Blankenship Lane, and their two daughters, Rhonda Phillips (Dennis) of Pearisburg, VA and Valerie McBrayer (Tinker) of Fuquay Varina, NC. He was the proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Ashley Phillips Smith, Austin Phillips (Jacklyn), Kimberly McBrayer, Brian McBrayer (Rachel), Sarah McBrayer, Jessica Kelly, and Amanda McBrayer Shafer (Bryan). He also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Claude is also survived by one sister, Nancy Lane, of Roanoke, VA; and two brothers, Robert Lane (Janet), of Abingdon, VA and Joel Lane (Wanda) of Bluefield, WV, and one sister-in-law, Pearl Lane. In addition to his parents, Claude was preceded in death by his brother, Melvin Lane; his sister and brother-in-law, Gloria and Gerald Pierce; and his brother-in-law, Don Lane. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Gideons International (www.gideons.org). The family wishes to express their gratitude to Cravens-Shires Funeral Home. Services will be on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 12:00 PM, at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home Chapel. Followed by internment at Woodlawn Memorial Park where the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard will perform full military graveside rites. Family and friends will be serving as pallbearers. Funeral services will be conducted by ministers Dennis Eller and Robert Lane. Viewing will begin at 11:00 AM until the time of services. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is serving the Lane family.