Billy Lane

A Life Well Lived

Billy Bruce Lane was born on December 19, 1928 to parents Charlie Steve (Bruce) and Era Isham Lane. He grew up in the Newburg Community where he spent his entire life which lasted for just 18 days short of 96 years.
He attended school at Newburg and then at Comanche where he graduated. He married his high school sweetheart, Annie Adcock in 1946 one day after he turned 18, because his mom refused to sign for him to marry before he was 18.

They made a home on the South Leon River near his parents’ place. He built a small log cabin down by the river where they lived for the first 2 years. He was hired as a herdsman for the Caraway farm in DeLeon and traveled to Denver, Chicago and other major shows showing cattle.

He was a carpenter and built several small houses in Gustine. His high school friends, Joe and Bill Gore hired him to build a warehouse used by Gore Bros Feed Store that still is in use today. When he finished the building, they hired him to work for them in their retail store. He continued working for them for 60 years in a variety of positions. When Gore’s built the feedmill down at the railroad tracks, their contractor quit before starting the job. They gave the blueprints to Bill on a Friday and asked him if he could build it. After studying the prints all weekend, he started construction on Monday. He became a well respected man in the industry and finished his career as a commodity purchaser.

In 1951 he purchased the land from his father-in-law that is still the family’s home place. He borrowed money two years later to build a dairy barn and became a dairy farmer, which he continued for 47 years. He grew his farm and operation adding land and cattle. In 1964, he was recognized as one of 4 Outstanding Young Farmers in the United States.

Bill was a leader in all aspects of his life. He and Ann founded the Newburg 4-H Club and served as leaders for over 50 years. They were active in the Community Improvement Tours which brought positive recognition to the community. He also was an active member of the Comanche Young Farmers Organization and went on to serve in leadership positions at the state level.

He became a community leader and servant helping with many activities throughout the county. He served as an announcer for the Gustine Rodeo for over 30 years and for the Comanche County Livestock Show for many years. He helped form the Central Texas Rural Railroad District in 1991 when Santa Fe, now BNSF, was going to stop rural rail in our six county area. His leadership and direction proved to be a great economic benefit for Comanche. He served on the board for 20 years and as the Chairman of the Board.
Bill was a leader in the Gustine Church of Christ. He was a deacon and an elder for many years. He led by example in all walks of his life and leaves a family full of gratitude for that example. He was a devoted son, caring for his widowed mother for over 30 years; a devoted husband, sharing his every heartbeat with Ann; and a family leader for his kids and their families.

He is survived by his son, Buddy Lane of Gustine, and daughter, Linda McGinnis and husband, Tommy of Comanche. Grandchildren include Andi Artze of Magnolia; Staci Murphy and husband Robert of Gustine, and Cody Lane and wife, Chrissy of Hamilton. Great-Grandchildren include Faith Lynn Horn and husband, Noah of Lubbock; Hope McGinnis of Comanche; Ace Lane of Hamilton; Lane Artze of Magnolia; Laney Jo Lane of Hamilton; Morgan Murphy of Gustine; Ryan Murphy of Gustine; and Hank Artze of Magnolia. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ann, his grand-daughter, Randi McGinnis and grand son-in-law, Craig Artze.