Wilbur Eugene Lane

Wilbur Eugene “Gene” age 92, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, passed away February 18, 2024 at Jupiter Medical Center. He was born February 3, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Wilbur C. Lane and Mabel A. Lane (Ferrell).

Gene graduated from Almont High School in 1949 and Albion College in 1953. He served in the Army for 2 years during the Korean War. Upon his return to Michigan Gene worked for the Fisher Body and the V.L. Graf Company. In 1958 along with his high school classmate Bob Ligon they started L & L Products Inc. An astute businessman, Gene cared that the employees were treated fairly and with respect; “They’re the folks who show up every morning and make things happen… and make the business work.”

MG cars were Gene’s passion, he spent countless hours with his sons restoring MG’s. He and his family toured numerous places in the United States and Canada driving their MG’s. He also enjoyed traveling, boating, racing cars, reading and received his pilot’s license. He loved running his Lionel train collection as well.

In October 1955 Gene married Dorothy Steadman. They had 4 children Debbie, Sue, Jeff and Deiter. In July 1982 he married Eve Rinke. He welcomed stepchildren Sherry, Larry, Joe and Annette into his family.

In 1987, Gene and Bob Ligon started the L & L Educational Foundation. The goal of the foundation was to assist L & L Family Members with the cost of higher education. He also supported research projects at Mayo Clinic and arthritis research at the University of Missouri, The Jupiter Med Center, Jupiter Theater and many more.

Gene is survived by his wife, Eve Lane (nee Willing), children Debbie Lane (Steve Szabo) Sue Lane, Jeff Lane, and Deiter Lane (Janelle). Stepchildren, Sherry Rinke Eckhardt (Rick), Larry Rinke, Joe Rinke, and Annette Mentier. He has 16 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 12-8 pm at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home (11280 32 Mi. Rd. Romeo, Mi 48065).

Private Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the First Congregational Church (201 E. St. Clair St, Almont Mi. 48003).

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the L & L Educational Foundation (160 McLean Dr. Romeo Mi. 48065)