Joan Renee Lane

OKLAHOMA CITY - Joan Renée Lane was born into this world on December 22nd, 1946, in the eternal city of Rome, Italy. Her parents were Marcella Franca Zingerini and Robert Cleveland Lane. Since her father’s career was in the United States Army, Renée’s early years were spent in Italy, Germany, and France. Eventually her father was stationed in the United States, where Renee grew up along with her little brother, Richard.

The family eventually settled in Atlanta GA, and Renée attended Saint Joseph High School, graduating in 1964. She then attended Oklahoma University and received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1970. In 1972, she entered the United States Air Force, serving in active duty through1977. After that, without a break in service, Renée immediately entered the Air Force Reserve, in which she remained active until her retirement in 2005.

As a member of the Air Force Reserve, she continued her studies at OU and earned her Master of Architecture degree in 1982. She then continued her long architectural career in Civil Service, with the Civil Engineer Corps. Renée was an accomplished architect and an excellent amateur photographer. But she was most proud of her career as a Veteran of the United States Air Force and the Air Force Reserve, with over 33 years of continued service, retiring as “Lieutenant Colonel Lane.”

Most of Renee’s adult years were spent in the Oklahoma City area with her closest friend, Carol, with whom she greatly enjoyed traveling across the country, meeting up with other friends or making new ones along the way. In recent years they loved taking cruises to many parts of the world, including Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Renée’s final life challenge lasted approximately a year: the recurrence of cancer which ultimately was incurable. She met this final battle with strength, grace, and courage, receiving excellent care, especially from Good Shepherd Hospice. She was also accompanied by many friends and former co-workers, who loved and admired her.

On the evening of March 17, at the age of 76, Renée peacefully surrendered her spirit, in the presence of Carol and several of her closest loved ones. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, brother, aunts and uncles.

A service in celebration of her life will be held at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home on March 31, 2023 at 11am. She will be laid to rest, with full military honors, near her beloved parents, in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity or cause, in memory of Renée.