Peter "Pete" Lane, 82, of Denton, Texas, passed away at home on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Faith, family, friends, and service to his country and community were the cornerstones of his life. If a life is measured by good deeds and friendship, Pete was a wealthy man.

Pete and his twin, Patrick, were born in Queens, New York to Marjorie (Murray) Lane and Thomas Lane. His father, a NYPD Detective, died unexpectedly when he was 15 years old, and his mother moved her three boys to the town of Manasquan on the Jersey Shore. At Manasquan High School, Pete met his lifelong love, Patricia "Patty" Ann Daniel.

Pete was honored to receive a congressional appointment to attend the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Following graduation from the Academy, he married his high school sweetheart. Pete and Patty were married for over 60 years and have four children. They embarked on a 23-year Air Force career. That career was marked by adventure, challenges, and heroism during the Vietnam War.

Pete entered active military service in June 1961. He earned his pilot wings at Craig Air Force Base in Selma, Alabama. Additional training led to an assignment as Instructor Pilot in Laredo, Texas. In 1967, Pete completed training in the F-105 Republic Thunderchief "Thud" in preparation for combat in the Vietnam War.

From the Spring of 1967 until November of 1967, Pete flew a total of 104 combat missions over North Vietnam. His commitment and heroism are exemplified by the receipt of a number of commendations, including the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross with one silver and one bronze oak leaf cluster, the Air Medal with four silver and three bronze oak leaf clusters, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze service star, the Air Force Overseas Service Long Tour  Ribbon, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After completing service in Vietnam, Pete attended the University of Washington and earned a Master's Degree and Ph.D in History. In 1974, after an assignment as an instructor at the Air Force Academy, he became the Operations Officer at George AFB in California. Pete returned to Thailand as the war was ending and had the thrilling experience of flying his F-105 back to the USA, refueling in mid-air.

In 1975, Pete attended and then taught at the prestigious National War College in Washington, D.C. Following his time in D.C. during the bicentennial, he completed assignments as Deputy Commander of Operations at Bergstrom AFB in Austin, Texas, as Deputy Commander of Operations flying the F-15 Eagle, and later as Base Commander at Holloman AFB in New Mexico. He established and commanded the emergency rescue team for the Space Shuttle Columbia at the White Sands Missile Range. In 1982, Pete was Vice Wing Commander at Howard AFB in the Republic of Panama. And in 1984, he retired from Air Force service at the Pentagon as Chief of the Western Hemisphere Division Air Staff.

Besides the medals and awards related to his service in Vietnam, Pete also received the Legion of Merit, the Combat Readiness Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with one silver oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for Valor with one oak leaf cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Joint Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

After retiring from the Air Force, Pete began his second career with the University of North Texas in Denton (1984 to 2009). He served in numerous capacities including Assistant to the Chancellor, Special Assistant for Athletics, Vice President for Development, and a member of the History Department faculty. He co-edited Warriors and Scholars: A Modern War Reader . His passion for education, guidance and genuine care for young people shaped and changed the lives of many students.

Pete remained active in several organizations related to his military service including the River Rats Association, the Order of the Daedalians and the North Texas Association of Air Force Academy Graduates. He was a sustaining member of the Denton County Chapter of the Air Force Association, where he served as chapter president for over 10 years. He was also a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Honor Guard.

Pete was committed to numerous civic, charitable, and social organizations in Denton. For over 20 years, he served on the Denton County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Board of Directors, including five years as president. He was a member of the Denton Breakfast Kiwanis for over 25 years, including service as president. In 2006, he was a founding member of the Denton Animal Shelter Foundation Board of Directors. Pete loved greeting returning soldiers at DFW and served on Congressman Burgess' Service Academy Selection Committee. He was awarded the Congressional Veteran Commendation in 2014. As an active member of St. Mark Catholic Church, Pete served on the parish council, Knights of Columbus and as Chairman of the Welcome Committee. He also taught religious education to high school students.

Pete's life was defined by his friends and family. His outgoing nature drew people close to him. He had dear friends from every chapter of his life. Whether he was Santa Claus found taking a "combat nap" when he should have been making an entrance or serving up "Lane Specials" (aka ice cream sundaes) on a summer night, Pete enjoyed people and life to the fullest. They say, "If you get in an elevator with Pete, he'll know your life story before you get off." He was a proud member of the Denton "Rowdies," a self-named group of fun-loving friends. Pete told family, "I couldn't have asked for more exciting times in various places. Some hard times and sad moments, but overall, I've had a wonderful life. And I think that's mostly thanks to your mother. She made that possible." He asked to be remembered as someone who loved his family and friends and would do anything for them.

Pete was predeceased by brothers Ted and Patrick Lane. He is survived by his wife Patricia, his children Mark Lane (Mary), Julie Grebe (Kurt), Jennifer Lane (Kelli) and Christopher Lane. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kara Lane, Jana Lane, John Lane, and Makayla (Matt) Lewis and sister-in-law, Alice (Ted) Lane.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church in Argyle, Texas at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 11. Burial is noon, Monday, December 20 at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following, St. Mark Catholic Church Building Fund, The Denton Animal Shelter Foundation or The Marjorie Murray Lane Audiology Endowment at UNT.