Mr. Richard Neal Lane

Mr. Richard Neal Lane, 75, of Morganton, NC passed away unexpectedly, Monday, April 1, 2013 at his residence. Born on November 23, 1937 in Burke County, NC, he was a son of the late Edward Benson Lane, Sr. and Angie Lee Hawkins Lane. Richard attended Morganton City Schools and went on to graduate from Appalachian State Teachers College (now ASU). His teaching career began in Burke County at Salem School and Mull School followed by several years in the Polk County School System. He spent the remaining years of his teaching career at Southmont Elementary School in Davidson County. During his tenure at Southmont, Richard was chosen as the Davidson County Teacher of the Year, and was twice selected as the regional finalist for the North Carolina Teacher of the Year. While in Lexington, he served as president of the Davidson County Historical Society. He and his students created a local historical magazine called "Homespun" which featured local genealogy and historic tales. Richard was a professional genealogist who helped many families trace their roots in both Davidson and Burke County.He was an enthusiastic artist who created landscapes and still life with his brush. He also made unique characters out of paper maché that were sold in stores at Old Salem, and across the United States. His work has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Country Living, Early American Life, and McCall’s magazines.Richard was successful in everything he set out to do. He had a profound respect for history and tradition, and a deep love for his country and the land around us. Richard donated his time and resources to environmental and humanitarian efforts. Most of all, Richard was a friend to many people and will be sorely missed.He is survived by sisters, Nina Belle Lane Hogan and Mary Frances Bradley and husband, Bob, all of Morganton; a sister-in-law, Betty B. Lane of Rutherfordton, NC; nieces, Martha Hogan Jump, Debra Lane Bradley, Kimberly Ann Bradley, and Mary Bradley Ayers, all of Morganton, Linda Hogan Snell of Flat Rock, NC, Angela Lane Wilkerson of Monroe, NC, and Edie Lane Crook of Gastonia, NC; and ten great nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by a brother, Edward B. Lane, Jr.; and a brother-in-law, Harry D. Hogan.A family graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 5, 2013 at Burke Memorial Park with Mr. Roger Patton officiating. A gathering of friends will be held from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m., Sunday, April 7, 2013 at North Morganton United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Burke Historical Foundation, 102 E. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655, or to the Burke History Museum, PO Box 416, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is serving the Lane family.