LANE, Richard Paul, 83, of Midland, died Thursday morning, February 10, 2011 at his home. He was born August 16, 1927 in Dayton, Ohio, son of the late Dwight and Edith (Tompkins) Lane and attended Wilbur Wright High School in Dayton. Richard graduated from Purdue University as an Aeronautical Engineer. He served in the United States Navy during WWII aboard a light cruiser in the Pacific. As a 35-year employee of The Dow Chemical Company, Richard promoted magnesium metal to the aviation and missile industries for 10 years, and Styrofoam® plastic foam to the construction markets. After retirement, he formed Artboard Corporation in Ludington, and served as its president for five years. As a private pilot, Richard had a lifelong interest in aviation. He was known for his sense of humor and his interest in the arts, and he had traveled throughout the U.S. and the world.

Richard is survived by Christine, his wife of 56 years; four children, Mark Lane of Montrose, Colorado, Michelle Lane and son-in-law Lawton Howard of St. Simons Island, Georgia, Christa Lane-Larsen and son-in-law Dave Larsen of Woodbury, Minnesota, Lisa Lane of Walled Lake; grandchildren Christina Larsen, Peter Larsen and Erin Allanson. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Glenn.

~Memorial Service~

Memorial services will take place at 11 am, Saturday, February 19, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church, 315 W. Larkin Street with Rev. Dr. Charles Keyworth officiating. ~Visitation~ There will be visitation at the church from 10 am until time of services.

~Memorials~ Rather than flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider: Parkinson’s Disease Research Fund, Henry Ford Neuroscience Institute, 1 Ford Place, Suite 5A, Office of Philanthropy, Detroit, MI 48202-3450