Billy "Bill" Derette Lane

Billy “Bill” Derette Lane, 92, passed away January 24, 2026, in Canon City, CO. He was born September 1, 1933, in Comanche, TX to Robert Olen and Vesta Labrillia (Gleghorn) Lane. He grew up on a farm near O’Donnell, TX and graduated from O’Donnell High School in 1949. After graduation, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska, then a U.S. Territory.

In August of 1954, Bill married Peggy Jane Vaughn in Lamesa, TX.  They returned from Alaska in 1955, and welcomed their first daughter, Deretta, that year. Bill enrolled in Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX, graduating with a degree in Animal Husbandry.  While farming cotton near Lamesa, TX, Bill and Peggy welcomed daughters Lisa Gale Lane in 1958 and Deanna Ruth Lane in 1960.  In 1962 Bill and Peggy and “The Three Little Lane Girls” moved to Fairplay, CO to ranch.  In 1966 the family moved to a cattle ranch southwest of Sulphur, OK, where son Robert Olen Lane was born in 1967. A short time later the family moved to a ranch near Stratford, OK.  While there, Bill commuted to East Central University in Ada and got his master’s degree in Elementary Education, and he began his final career of teaching and coaching elementary school children.  He and Peggy eventually moved back to their beloved Rocky Mountains to finish their teaching careers in Denver, CO.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Rob and Vesta, his wife, Peggy, and his two youngest children, Deanna Lane and Robert Lane. He was also preceded in death by his older brother, Olen, in 1944.

He is survived by two daughters, Deretta (Pete) Austin and Lisa Lane; grandchildren, Matt Thompson (Missi Currier), Lauren Lane Thompson (Anthony Warren), Jeff Austin (Kimberly Stewart), Josh McBroom and Sean McBroom; great-grandchildren, Hope Lane Rhoads, Maverick Rhoads, Lake Bayliss, Sarah Warren, Lily Warren, and Jaxon McBroom.  He is also survived by his beloved younger sister, Laquita James, as well as niece Karla Webb and nephews Kevin (Stephanie) and Kyle (Paula) James, and their families.  Glenna Kellogg of Parker, CO, was Bill’s special friend for a number of years.

Bill was a farmer, cowboy, teacher, husband, father, brother, son, uncle and a really good golfer (9 holes-in-one after age 65!)  He loved God, his family and his church.

A memorial service will be held Friday, February 20, 2026, 2:00 p.m., at Majestic Baptist Church, 494 E. Hemlock Drive, Pueblo West, CO 81007.   The family will be there at 1:00 p.m. to greet guests and share memories of Bill.

Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com