MISSOULA - Walter Vernon Lane, who was known to his old friends and family as Bill Lane, passed away of natural causes Wednesday, May 21, 2014. If you asked him his age, he would reply, "I am in my 90th year!" His family was by his side hugging, kissing and telling him how much we loved him during his last minutes of passing through the end of the life process.

He was born to Ted Lane and Lois Grant Lane on Dec. 29, 1924, in Olerich, South Dakota. Bill was well-educated and well-traveled, and enjoyed every minute of his life here in Missoula for the past 40 years.

He graduated from the Colorado State College of Education in 1949 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and the University of Montana 1969 with a master's degree.

He traveled to places like Yap, Belise and Tahiti. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, from May 19, 1943, to April 19, 1946. He was on the USS PC 807 for the Asiatic Pacific Campaign, American Campaign, Philippine Liberation and more.

He owned the first and only, at the time, McDonald's in Missoula and later the El Matador South. Living in Missoula was perfect for him to camp, fish (fly fishing), ride his horses and take many pack trips - even the one from Missoula to Portland, Oregon, in 1952!

He was 4-H leader and loved to help his neighbors in the Potomac area during haying season in the summertime.

All the children at Franklin Elementary School loved "Grandpa Walter" when he foster-grand-parented through the Missoula Aging Services.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Lois Lane; and his sister, Mary Gray Lane Buchanan. Barbara May Riedl and Helen E. Baker, both wives and "the loves of his life," also went before him.

Bill is survived by his children, Diane Lane Adams of Missoula, Debbie (Debra) Lane of Missoula and Steven Lane of Los Lunas, New Mexico; his grandchildren, Andrew and Jenna Lane of Los Lunas, and Grant, Tyler and Trya Lane of Missoula; three greatgrandchildren; and niece, Nancy Buchanan of Sheridan, Wyoming. Susan Khran, Walter's life partner of 17 years, will surely miss him.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, at King's Christian Church, 9830 Valley Grove Drive, in Lolo off U.S. Highway 93 South. Reception immediately following the ceremony.

Donations to the Department of Veteran Affairs or Missoula Aging Services, would be great!

The family thanks Partners Hospice for giving such care and comfort and peace to our father. Having you people there made all the best difference in the world. Thanks to each of you.

It was an honor to have Brothers Mortuary and Crematory in Hamilton serve our family.

The Missoulian, Missoula, Mt - May 27, 2014.