Raymond C. Lane, 97, of Okeechobee, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026. Raymond called Okeechobee home for the last 31 years, having previously lived in Richmond, Illinois. Raymond was a man with a big personality, a sharp sense of humor, and a lifetime of stories. If you spent time with Grandpa Ray, chances are you heard a story or two about the adventures of his younger years—and he had plenty of them to tell. As a young man, Raymond worked selling horses at the Chicago Stock Yards. One of his favorite stories from those days involved a five-cent bathroom fee. Determined not to waste a nickel, Raymond crawled underneath the stall door instead of paying. Once inside, he discovered a poem written on the wall: “Here I sit all broken hearted, I paid a nickel to shit and only farted.” That story, like so many of Raymond’s, perfectly captured his sense of humor and his ability to find something funny in the everyday moments of life. As the years passed, Raymond found another love in fishing. He enjoyed the peace of being outdoors, the anticipation of the next catch, and simply having the time to enjoy one of life’s quieter pleasures. Raymond will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the personality he brought into every room and the stories he left behind. His family will remember his humor, his adventures, and the countless memories created simply by having him in their lives. Raymond is survived by his son, Ray Lane (Janice); and his granddaughters, Jennifer, Kristie, and Catherine. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline Lane; his son, Patrick Lane; his brother, Wesley E. Lane; and his sisters, Faye Schaal and Dolores Sax. Though Raymond’s stories will no longer be told in his own voice, they will continue to be told by the people who loved him. His adventures, his humor, and his unmistakable personality will remain part of his family’s story for generations to come. Rest in peace, Grandpa Ray. May your next adventure be a good one—and may there always be plenty of fish. Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www. OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.