Donald Lane Obituary

Donald Gale Lane Sr.

Donald Gale Lane Sr., 95, of Findlay, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, at Elmwood Assisted Living at The Shawhan, Tiffin.

Don was born July 29, 1927, in Zanesville, to David H. and Helen (Pendelton) Lane. He married Violette "Vi" M. Mosier on Aug. 29, 1948, at Howard Methodist Church, Findlay. The couple celebrated 66 years of marriage before Violette preceded him in death in 2014.

Don is survived by his sons, Donald G. (Faye) Lane Jr. of Findlay, Dennis E. (Diane) Lane of Leesburg, Virginia, and Douglas A. (Shelly) Lane of Westerville; daughter, Deborah (Steve) Sherick of Republic; grandchildren, Brittany (Steve) Scothorn of Leesburg, Virginia, Cory Sherick of Tiffin, Crystal Lane of Findlay, Jason (Laura) Lane of Findlay, and Sabrina (Todd) Whitmer of Tiffin; sister, Helen (Jack) Collins of Findlay; and eight great-grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Fay and Ray; and sisters, Ruth (Bob) Duncan of Findlay and Dorothy (Johnny) Kerns of Plano, Texas.

Don was quite an entrepreneur. In 1954, he opened his own business, Don's Lawn Mower & Chain Saw Center in Findlay. He eventually grew the business and moved it to a larger location on Findlay's west side. In 1962, he sold the business and he and Vi began to work together as accountants for Koehler Brothers, Inc. Having an interest in retail, the couple left Koehlers and invested in two downtown Findlay businesses. They purchased Kring's Gift Shop in the early 70s, reopening it as The Gift Box/Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio, and Kessell's Dress Shop, reopening it as Vi's Bridal Shoppe. The cosmetics studio eventually moved into the bridal shop. A third retail store, D's Bridal & Merle Norman Cosmetics, was opened in downtown Tiffin.

Don and Vi eventually sold their businesses, retired, and moved to Haines City, Florida, to enjoy their retirement years. However, the couple returned to Findlay a few years later to be close to their children and grandchildren.

Private visitation and a family gathering will be at Coldren-Crates Funeral Home, Findlay.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer's Association or charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting coldrencrates.com.