Obituary for William Vance Lane
William Vance Lane Sr. was born December 17, 1937, in Mangum, Oklahoma, to Roy Trotter and Pearline Wren-Reed. He was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Elder William Wren and Katie Wren, whose faith and values helped shape the man he became.
William attended Booker T. Washington School in Mangum, where he was a member of the 1954 state championship basketball team. That same year, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California, and Japan before returning home to Mangum following his honorable discharge.
Upon returning home, William met and married the love of his life, Willie Elizabeth Ray, on August 6, 1962. Together they shared 51 years of marriage built on faith, love, family, and service.
William faithfully served the City of Mangum for 29 years as Water Department Superintendent and was respected for his leadership, integrity, and dedication to the community. Alongside his wife, Elizabeth, he devoted more than 30 years to fostering and caring for over 100 children, opening their home to those in need of love, guidance, and support. In recognition of their compassion and service, they were honored in 2009 as Champions for Children.
A devoted man of faith, William was ordained as a deacon at St. John Baptist Church in 1977, where he faithfully served for 30 years. After relocating to Oklahoma City in 2007, he continued his service as a deacon at Greater Antioch FGBC.
William was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Willie Elizabeth Lane; his parents and grandparents; his sons, William Stanley Lane and Randy Davis; and his granddaughter, Tera Nicole Allen.
He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Terry Lamont Lane (Melody), Earnesten Lanette Chase (Gary), Tammey Laraine Lane, William Vance Lane Jr.
(Kisha), Tracey Lanell Jones (Ervin), Kelli Ann King (Earnest), Tangela Monique Carter, and Timothy Zaccheus Joshua Lane; 26 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family members, friends, and loved ones.
William's life was marked by faith, service, humility, and love for others. His legacy will continue through the many lives he touched throughout his family, church, and community.
The Lane family will receive friends from 5:00p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2026 at Greer Funeral Home, Mangum, Oklahoma.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Mangum with interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery, Mangum, Oklahoma.
Services have been entrusted to Greer Funeral Home, Mangum, Oklahoma.
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William attended Booker T. Washington School in Mangum, where he was a member of the 1954 state championship basketball team. That same year, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California, and Japan before returning home to Mangum following his honorable discharge.
Upon returning home, William met and married the love of his life, Willie Elizabeth Ray, on August 6, 1962. Together they shared 51 years of marriage built on faith, love, family, and service.
William faithfully served the City of Mangum for 29 years as Water Department Superintendent and was respected for his leadership, integrity, and dedication to the community. Alongside his wife, Elizabeth, he devoted more than 30 years to fostering and caring for over 100 children, opening their home to those in need of love, guidance, and support. In recognition of their compassion and service, they were honored in 2009 as Champions for Children.
A devoted man of faith, William was ordained as a deacon at St. John Baptist Church in 1977, where he faithfully served for 30 years. After relocating to Oklahoma City in 2007, he continued his service as a deacon at Greater Antioch FGBC.
William was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Willie Elizabeth Lane; his parents and grandparents; his sons, William Stanley Lane and Randy Davis; and his granddaughter, Tera Nicole Allen.
He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Terry Lamont Lane (Melody), Earnesten Lanette Chase (Gary), Tammey Laraine Lane, William Vance Lane Jr.
(Kisha), Tracey Lanell Jones (Ervin), Kelli Ann King (Earnest), Tangela Monique Carter, and Timothy Zaccheus Joshua Lane; 26 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family members, friends, and loved ones.
William's life was marked by faith, service, humility, and love for others. His legacy will continue through the many lives he touched throughout his family, church, and community.
The Lane family will receive friends from 5:00p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2026 at Greer Funeral Home, Mangum, Oklahoma.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Mangum with interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery, Mangum, Oklahoma.
Services have been entrusted to Greer Funeral Home, Mangum, Oklahoma.
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