Ronald Albert Lane

He was born in Ada, Oklahoma, on September 17, 1943. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1966 with a degree in Industrial Arts.

Following university, Ron joined the Air Force Strategic Air Command (SAC) and served overseas during the Vietnam conflict. During the seven years of his military career, he attained the rank of Captain on a B-52 Strato-Fortress, also known as a BUFF. He was honorably discharged in 1973, having received the following awards: two Air Medals (with 130 for meritorious flight), Distinguished Flying Cross, Nuclear Deterrence Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with five Bronze Service Stars, and Republic of Vietnam Combat Medal.

He joined Southwest Airlines in 1974, at a time when the company had only three planes. When he retired 20 years later, he was ninth in seniority throughout the entire organization.

Ron was married to his first wife, Gloria Tally, for 23 years; they were blessed with two sons, Barry and Greg.

He married Gene Bonner in 1993. For the next 20 years, Ron and Gene boated on the Bo Peep II, a 1926 DeFoe wooden yacht used as a Coast Guard cutter during World War II. They spent several years sailing the Texas Gulf Coast before moving to Seattle and boating in the Puget Sound area, before moving back to Texas in 2024. Ron was a devoted husband and faithful Christian.

Ron was predeceased by his parents Albert and Bertha Lane, and his brother Charles. He is survived by his wife Gene, son Greg and his wife Melanie, their son Ethan, and son Barry and his wife Carrie.