William "Bill" Eugene Lane

William “Bill” Eugene Lane, 90, of Canton, IL, passed away peacefully at home Thursday, June 23, 2022. He was surrounded by family and loved ones.

Bill was born April 19, 1932 in Keokuk, Iowa to Ted and Elberta (Reid) Lane of Carthage, IL. He married Beulah Shipman on July 20, 1952 in Carthage. They were married 68 years until her death in 2020.

Surviving are four children, Rhonda (Tom) Weers, Canton; Karen (Norm) Churchill, Canton; Bruce (Amy) Lane, Bloomington; and Cyndie (Kevin) Rees, New Albany, Indiana; seven grandchildren, Sara Hammond, Jean Jockisch, Aaron Haacke, TJ Weers, Mary Rees, Justin Lane, and Kevin Rees; three great-grandchildren, Tay Hammond, Christopher Jockisch, and Lilah De Jesus. Also surviving is his sister, Joan Baker, sister in-law, Sandy Shipman and brother in-law, Michael “Butch” (Missy) Moore. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and three brothers-in-law, Ronald Shipman, Wayne Shipman and Richard Baker.

Bill graduated from Carthage College and received a master’s degree in Mathematics from the University of IL in Champaigne. He later received a master’s in music from Western IL University in Macomb. Early in his career he taught band and math in Mackinaw and Plymouth. He taught Math at Mahomet, IL high school from 1960-1967. He moved to Canton in 1967 and taught at Spoon River College until his retirement in 1995.

Bill was an accomplished concert pianist and composer, as well as a prolific writer. He was humble and had a kind and gentle spirit. He was strong in his faith and put God first in everything he did. Bill and his wife, Bea were dedicated servants of Christ, sharing their faith through a music ministry, giving to those in need, and offering love and support to their community.

The family would like to express their utmost thanks to the staff at Graham Hospital, Hospice Compassus, Pastor Vicki Rilea, and all of the friends and neighbors for all of the care, love, and support.

Cremation rites will be held with Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL and a Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Bill's honor. To make online condolences you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com