Alvin Jay Lane

Alvin Jay Lane

Interment will take place on Friday, October 16 10:00am at Clearwater Cemetery in Clearwater, Kansas.

True to his stubborn nature, Alvin surprised us all, keeping his body going for 84¾ years before passing peacefully at home on September 29, 2026.

Born December 12, 1941, in Lenoir, Kansas, Alvin was the son of the late J.C. and Velda Edginton Lane. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Jean Finney Lane; his sister, Lana Lane Szczygiel; and his brother, Norman Lane.

Alvin lived a life defined by hard work, independence, ingenuity, and more than a little determination. After serving in the Armed Forces, he followed in his family’s footsteps, becoming both a barber and a custom harvester. His entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to own barber shops, operate a custom harvesting business and an auto salvage business, and work as a semi owner/operator, all in Wichita, Kansas. He later retired from a career as an over-the-road truck driver in Nashville, Tennessee.

Alvin was happiest when he had something with a motor to tinker with. Over the years, he built dune buggies and sand rails and enjoyed taking them to the dunes around Waynoka and Little Sahara, Oklahoma, with family and friends. Somehow, he even managed to find enough hills in Kansas to enjoy riding his dirt bike. Many favorite family memories were made outdoors—summers spent camping and boating at the lake with friends and family, and winter trips to Colorado riding snowmobiles through the mountains.

As the years went by, Alvin gradually lost much of his hearing and became a man of few words, although he became remarkably good at reading lips. He didn’t need many words anyway. His dry sense of humor and mischievous nature usually got the message across. He

loved to tease, could be more than a little ornery, and possessed a stubborn streak that served him well for nearly 85 years.

Beneath the stubbornness and teasing was a deeply compassionate man. Alvin hated to see anyone suffer and would give whatever he could to help someone in need. That kindness extended to the four-legged members of the family as well. He loved his dogs, and any dog fortunate enough to be nearby at mealtime could count on getting a share of whatever was on his plate.

Alvin is survived by his devoted friend, Tina Hudgens; his son, Toby (Bonnie) Lane; his daughter, Kathy Dillaha (Darrell Phillips); his stepdaughter, Jamie Gray; and his stepson, Glen Terry (Jessica) Gray.

He also leaves behind six grandchildren: Shawna (Mark) Jernigan, Drew (Anna) Dixon, Kacey (Tyler) Allen, Christian (Jane Anna) Burfield, Sarah Jane (Bri) Peach, and Aaron Lane; and eight great grandchildren: Kinley Allen, Lincoln Sedgwick, Lilly Sedgwick, Arlee Joy Allen, Layla Burfield, Emerson Peach, Donovan Dixon, and Adelina Dixon; as well as his beloved dogs, Duffy and Bailey.

Alvin lived life on his own terms—working hard, building things, fixing things, finding adventure, helping people, teasing those he loved, and stubbornly carrying on. His family will remember the adventures, the laughter, the things he taught them, and the quiet generosity beneath that ornery exterior.

And somewhere, we suspect, there’s a dog waiting beside his chair for a bite from his plate.