John E. Lain

John E. Lain, 72 years of age, passed away in Scottsdale on May 16, 2013 after a long illness. He was born in Omaha, Neb. Aug. 19, 1940, and moved with family to L.A, Calif. He later moved to Lompoc, Calif. when his father was transferred in the military. He was the oldest son of Claire V. and Norma C. (Gluckstadt) Lain.

John enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1958 where he served on the USS Swordfish and the USS Ticonderoga. Due to an injury, he retired from the Navy Sept. 19, 1959. He stayed in California and attended college following retirement and was involved in the Wheelchair Games. He received second place for two years in the shot put and javelin.

In 1967, he moved to Papillion, Neb. and worked as a welfare supervisor for Douglas County, State of Nebraska. He retired in 1983.

He married Patricia Ann Ervin Lain in Bellevue, Neb. March 16, 1982. Along with their son, Mike, they moved to Fountain Hills in September of 1986.

He is survived by his wife, Patty; son, Mike; brother, Paul, and several nieces and nephews: Patty Wolcott and Bill Wolcott of Omaha, Tony of Arizona, John of California and Cayden of Florida. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Virginia Lain Jones.

He was a proud man, proud of his family and proud to have served in the USN. He was a member of DAV and PVA until he became ill.

He lived a full life. He enjoyed traveling, especially to the beaches. He enjoyed the greyhound races and visits with family and friends. He was generous and often helped those less fortunate. He was a die-hard Nebraska Cornhusker fan. He loved his German/Irish heritage. He had a kind and generous heart and will be missed by those who knew him.

John will be laid to rest next to his father and mother at Cederdale Cemetery in Papillion, Neb. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary and to Kahler Dolce Mortuary, Papillion, Neb.