Carl Wayne Lane

Carl Wayne Lane, 77, unexpectedly passed away on Friday, November 8, 2024, at home in Brighton, Colorado, surrounded by his loving family.

Wayne was born on January 5, 1947, in Littleton, Colorado, to Harvey Carl and Evelyn Frances (Church) Lane. He graduated from Littleton High School in 1965 and went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree from Colorado State University in Fort Collins in 1969.

In 1967, Wayne married Blanche Neal. After their marriage and his graduation, Wayne was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed in Nuremberg, Germany, where the couple welcomed their firstborn son, Gaelen. Upon Wayne’s honorable discharge, the family returned to the United States and settled in Englewood, Colorado. In 1980, the family purchased their family farm in Byers, Colorado. In the following years, the Lane family embraced managing their family farm and establishing a custom farming and harvesting business, traveling across Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado.

Wayne worked the land and built the business through hard work and determination. Just like any farmer, there were years of highs and lows. Wayne was determined to make it work and would take on odd jobs in the winter to help the family survive to the next harvest season. They continued to custom farm and harvest for over 38 years. Later, Wayne expanded his entrepreneurial ventures, establishing a straw delivery business, where he traveled hundreds of thousands of miles across the western United States with his loyal dog, Rowdy, in tow.

Wayne’s determination, work ethic, and mechanical expertise were legendary. He taught his son, Gaelen, the intricacies of farming and machinery, and the two spent years working side by side. While Wayne’s daughter, Pam, did not inherit his love for farming, she certainly inherited his practicality, problem-solving skills, and no-nonsense attitude. For years, Wayne was a constant presence at Pam’s college basketball games, traveling across the country for every game she played to cheer on his daughter. He proudly supported her team by paying for meals, making sure the girls knew how much he enjoyed them, and always bringing his trademark enthusiasm.

Wayne's greatest joy in his later years was his grandchildren. He took immense pride in their accomplishments—whether in academics, rodeos, other sports, or life in general. Despite his declining health, his face would light up whenever they entered the room, and he eagerly looked for any opportunity to watch them rodeo, play sports, or share in their successes. He made one final trip to Cooperstown, New York, this past summer to watch his grandson play baseball, a game he greatly enjoyed.

In addition to his love for his family, Wayne had a lifelong passion for farm auctions and sales. He spent countless hours at these events, always looking for a good deal and enjoying the fellowship of fellow enthusiasts. Even in his later years, he continued this hobby with enthusiasm, often spending time watching farm sales online with his family.

Wayne is survived by his son, Gaelen Lane (Susan) of Morrill, NE; daughter, Pamela Hawkins (Josh) of Brighton, CO; grandchildren, Coby Lane, Ryley Lane, Baliegh Lane, Lane Hawkins, Abigail Hawkins, Cooper Hawkins, and Madilyn Hawkins; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Blanche; his parents, Harvey and Frances Lane; his sister, Cynthia Lane; and his grandson, Tyler Lane.

Carl "Wayne" Lane will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was a father, proud grandfather, and loyal friend. His legacy of hard work and zest for life will be remembered by those who knew him best.

A Graveside Service will be held at Fort Logan Cemetery at 11 a.m. on December 9, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Wreaths Across America (Ft Logan) in Wayne's memory.