October 25, 1941 – February 21, 2026
Richard Donald Lane of Auburn, Alabama, was born October 25, 1941, in Patchogue, New York to the late Gilda and Donald Lane, and was called home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the Bethany House on Saturday, February 21, 2026. He was 84 years old.
Dick graduated in 1959 from Seton Hall High School in Patchogue, NY. He graduated from Auburn University in 1963 and from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1966. Following law school, he served as a Judge Advocate General in the U.S. Marine Corps, including a 2-year tour in Vietnam. After leaving active duty, he worked in the state attorney’s office in Clearwater, Florida.
Dick returned to Auburn in 1972 and opened his own law practice on Ross Street. While practicing law, he served as the Auburn Municipal Judge as well as the Camp Hill Municipal Judge. He ran for and was elected as a District Court Judge of Lee County in 1984. He served 3 terms as District Court Judge and then became the Family Court Judge of the 37th Judicial Circuit of Alabama until his retirement in 2011. He started several programs during his years in the judicial system that benefited area youth. A program that he was particularly proud of was the Character in Action program that recognized outstanding acts and character traits of young people in our community. Dick was also involved in numerous organizations in his community which included the March of Dimes, Gideons International, and Lions Club.
Upon retirement Dick followed a calling the Lord had long laid on his heart and attended seminary through Lakeview Baptist Church’s program under the direction of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He received a Master of Education degree and became an ordained minister.
He loved his church, Lakeview Baptist, in Auburn where he served as a deacon, taught a youth Sunday School class, sang in the choir, and facilitated classes in the college department. He eventually served as Associate Pastor for Congregational Care.
He was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Nana, Aunt Peggy Waller Yarbrough, and Cousin Guy Waller.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandy Lane; two sons, Mark DeGrange (Lisa) and David Lane (Jenny); grandchildren, Thomas DeGrange (Hayden), Hannah DeGrange Fairley (Keegan), Abbey Lane (A.J. Johnson), and Palmer Lane; great-grandson, Raife DeGrange; cousins, Jonelle (Tim) McClanahan, Margie (Chuck) Rush and numerous relatives in New York.
His love for God was the most important thing in his life. He passed this love onto his family and reflected it to every person he met. His favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on they own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths.”
Visitation will be held in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 5:00PM-7:00PM.
A Celebration of Life will be at Lakeview Baptist Church on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11:00AM with Reverend Al Jackson officiating.
Flowers will be accepted, memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International, the Lee County Child Advocacy Center or Lakeview Baptist Church Benevolent Fund.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
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