Robert L. “Bob” Lane Jr, 82, of Birdseye, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 6:15 a.m. surrounded by family.
Bob was born on October 18, 1941 in Birdseye, he was the son of Robert L. Lane Sr. and Mabel (King) Lane.
He married Ruby Bayer on October 29, 1971 in Jasper, Indiana.
Bob was a 1960 graduate of Birdseye High School, where he played basketball for the Birdseye Yellow Jackets. He loved watching IU basketball games with Brent and enjoyed St. Louis Cardinals baseball.
He was a mechanic for Olinger’s for over 20 years before starting his own garage at home, where he worked on many vehicles before retiring. Bob drag raced in the 60s and won the Nationals in Indianapolis in 1968 with his 1957 Chevy.
Bob had a passion for old cars and owned many throughout his life, even his most recent rare 1957 fuel-injected Chevy that he took to car shows, winning many trophies. He was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed collecting NASCAR items. He attended many NASCAR races and got to meet his favorite driver, Dale Earnheart Sr., and got his hat autographed by Dale.
Bob loved dogs, especially his most recent dog, Aries, who was by his side until his passing.
Bob enjoyed mushroom hunting, gardening (especially his zinnia’s), shooting matches, collecting guns and knives, old cars and attending car shows with the Gravel Road Cruisers.
Bob is survived by his wife, Ruby; son, Brent (Bonnie) Lane of Birdseye; three stepchildren, Chester (Vonda) Bayer, Nancy McCutcheon and Glenn Bayer, all of Birdseye; ten grandchildren, Lexie Lane, Colin Lane, Emily Bayer, Madison Bayer, Cade Bayer, Nikki Kelly, Christy Modesitt, Megan Mcmanis, Brandon Kelly and Elliha Bayer; brother, Jody (Peggy) Nordhoff also of Birdseye; brother-in-law, Jim Blemker.; several nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Millie Blemker; and his granddaughter,Kirstie Ann Bayer.
In honor of Bob’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
